December 22, 2024

Skylight Webzine

Online since 2000

Prog Ensemble Dario and the Clear Release Third Album “Banquet of Noise” Featuring King Crimson’s Trey Gunn

Multi-instrumentalist Dario and his prog ensemble, Dario and the Clear, have released “Banquet of Noise,” the third album in his pop, rock, progressive trilogy reflecting the world’s journey politically and socially over the last several years. The album marks the return of impressive collaborations with Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Eric Person (Ben Harper), Sue Leonard (back-up vocalist for k.d. lange), and experimental guitar player, Gabriel Marin, all of whom are ideal matches instrumentally for Dario’s diverse and expressive sound palette.

Says Dario, “‘Banquet of Noise’ is the last of what I call the trilogy. First album being ‘Optic Nerve’ followed by ‘Reflective Touch.’ ‘Banquet of Noise’ was to me a perfect ending for the trilogy. I started writing ‘Optic Nerve’ at the height of covid and when I finished that recording, I thought I was done with what I had to say… But that was not the case two weeks later and went back into the studio to work on ‘Optic Nerve.’ And then the same thing happened again. I thought I was done with what I had to say but then I worked on ‘Banquet of Noise.’ And the reason and the inspiration for the trilogy was really based on current events and just a constant bombardment of news and the chaos happening in the world. It was way too much for me to write about, so I had to keep writing the alms. It was non-stop for three and a half years.”

Watch the video for “Banquet of Noise”: https://youtu.be/_ztUR4W5-XQ?si=0KUOApWtM9qOIjM6

“The song ‘Recall’ is a wonderful honor and tribute to David Bowie.” – Steve Ball, Guitarist for Robert Fripp Guitar Ensemble, Founding Member, Guitar Circle Seattle

“With his Tom Waits-like grovel, Dario Saraceno – frontman of Dario and the Clear – combines the bluesy rhythms and pop-rock textures of Talking Heads, Blondie, and The Eurythmics on his latest cut, ‘Love Has Won.’ Natasha Coward’s searing, soulful vocals carry the track through its celebratory, and very danceable, climax.” – Jon Spano, Actor, Writer

“A good intro and ‘Recall’ delivers and immediately grabs you by the ear lobes. Dario Saraceno wastes no time from there immediately crashing the party and taking over. You better listen cause Dario’s got something to say as he commemorates the man who gave us ‘Ziggy Stardust,’ ‘Space Oddity’ and ‘Diamond Dogs.’” – Mike Gourley, Music Journalist

“The imagery that the song ‘Star-Crossed Lovers’ produced is absolutely brilliant. The strength, the power, the urgency, the struggles, the frustration, separation, and futility of the star-crossed lovers is conveyed magnificently both vocally and instrumentally by Dario and the legendary Sue Leonard. Their voices work in harmony, then trail off poignantly as the song ends. Truly these musicians are Masters of their Craft. More, please.” – D.J. Toby Chicago, “Rocking the Universe Weird Sisters Radio”

Dario was born in Ripacandida, Italy and moved to London, England during the height of Beatlemania. After his mom took him to see the Beatles at an outdoor concert, he was profoundly influenced and became infatuated with becoming a musician.

Fast forward to his teenage years and music became reality when he purchased his first guitar. Dario took an unusual approach. When most musicians were aspiring to play covers, Dario was immediately drawn to writing original music and spent time learning multi-track recording.

After graduating Berklee College of Music, Dario toured with his band, Decoy and worked as a session guitarist, touring and teaching. His instructional book, “The Shapes Remain the Same” was published in 2010. After his Decoy project came to a close, Dario went solo, starting a new band he named Dario and the Clear. Dario and the Clear has released seven albums since 2011. After the release of his previous album, “Optic Nerve,” the creative muse continued to provide inspiration for a new body of work that he named “Reflective Touch.”

To purchase:https://darioandtheclear4.bandcamp.com/

For more information:https://darioandtheclear4.bandcamp.com/album/reflective-touchhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/dario-and-the-clear/430371436