Never Look Back

by Vincent JeffriesThis unknown teenage guitarist was given an unprecedented opportunity to display his talent when Guitar for the Practicing Musician magazine released Never Look Back on their new label Guitar Recordings. The editors certainly heard something that they liked, banking on Blues Saraceno to capture the attention of their large readership: rock musicians eager to compare their chops with the hottest young guitarists going. With his pure tone and precise technique, the flashy shredder emphasized smart phrasing and rhythm and avoided overplaying -- an indulgence many young guitar hopefuls could not stop themselves from partaking in. Highlight cuts include the upbeat boogie number "Full Tank," the fine echo management of "Before the Storm," and the most melodic of his Satriani-like tracks, "Frazin'." A much more mature player than his post-Vai and -Satriani competitors, Saraceno lacked the elder guitarist's melodic vision and personality. But considering Saraceno's age and experience, Never Look Back is an impressive debut.