Alternative artist and impressive guitarist Michael Lemmo releases his pop-rock/Americana-flavored new single, “La Cienega,” a track lifted from his forthcoming full-length debut album, Blue Comet, via Woodward Avenue Records.
Talking about working with double Grammy winner and producer Paul Brown, Lemmo shares, “Because Paul Brown and I come from very different worlds and generations, working together presented a real learning curve for us. I appreciate how hands-on he was throughout the process. As much as I enjoy shredding like any other guitarist, ‘Blue Comet’ is all about how the melodies reflect my maturation as an artist. One of my favorite albums is Jeff Buckley’s ‘Grace.’ My ultimate goal is always to create music with that kind of emotion and timelessness.”
The crème de la crème of L.A.’s musicians appear on the album, including Roberto Vally (bass), Gorden Campbell (drums), Marco Masci (keyboards), Lenny Castro (percussion), Lee Herschberg, Joe Bonamassa, along with Berklee College of Music’s Tomo Fujita.
Michael Lemmo began playing guitar when he was 11 years old. At 16, he applied to Berklee School of Music’s summer program. Admissions informed him he was too young to apply; however, after listening to several of Lemmo’s songs, the school accepted him and gave him a scholarship, followed by a scholarship for the college’s four-year undergraduate program.
While at Berklee, Lemmo studied with legendary guitar teacher Tomo Fujita, who later advised him to go to L.A. because of his talent. It was in L.A. that Lemmo met Norman Harris of Norm’s Rare Guitars. Harris hired Lemmo to work at his store.
Norm’s Rare Guitars streams ‘Guitar of the Day’ via YouTube. When host Mark Agnesi left to work for Gibson guitars, Lemmo took over the show.
“La Cienega” opens on plush, soft layers of luscious cashmere guitars rolling into an Americana-laced alt-rock tune with hints of pop savors. Crisp drums and a fat bassline set the undulating rhythm as Lemmo’s evocative tenor imbues the lyrics with tender nostalgia and affection.
Lemmo’s dazzling guitar licks fill the song with incandescent notes under exquisite control – clean and not overblown.
“La Cienega” encompasses a bewitching, dreamy quality, delivered through the dazzling guitar and haunting voice of Michael Lemmo.
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