Marco Catracchia: Press

"Diary of a Recluse (And Other Short Stories)" by Marco Catracchia (Folk/Country Artist from Hawaii (HI))

Marco Catracchia has created a touching collection of modern folk songs with "Diary of a Recluse (And Other Short Stories)." This is a heartwarming and uplifting set, characterized by Catracchia's heartfelt lyrics, personal vocal style and intellectual songwriting. His style includes instantly memorable melodies, coupled with his skillful acoustic and electric guitar tracks. "Before You Hit the Ground" is a strong opener, showcasing his poetic lyrics and honest, sincere vocal abilities. "Sweet Angel" is a wonderful duet featuring female vocalist Megan Mount and is ready for immediate airplay. "For You (Until the End)" and "They Forgot Your Name" are further examples of his skillful writing and lyrical candor, while he varies the musical textures and personal themes without losing his identity. "Learn to Live" features soaring vocal harmonies and melodies cleverly layered to provide amazing depth and beauty to the track. Marco Catracchia has created his own style of modern folk and alternative country with "Diary of a Recluse (And Other Short Stories)," which is sure to appeal to fans of male vocalists in either genre.
-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

Marco Catracchia – A ‘Recluse’ No More…

It’s not often you hear a folk guitar record by an Italian former bouncer living in Hawaii. But then again, there is nothing usual about Marco Catracchia or his extraordinary musical gift.

Marco has now dedicated himself to his art for the last 11 years. He describes himself as a ‘starving artist’ but on the evidence of the songs on his third album, ‘Diary of a Recluse (And Other Short Stories)’ and the rave reviews they have already received, that won’t last for long.

The songs on this CD have a rare personal touch. They are knowing, heartfelt and warm in the way that only songs that come directly from an artist’s heart ever can be.

“The purpose of my music is to try to communicate something inside of me that’s more than words or music,” he says. Amen to that. Listening to Marco’s music, one gets the impression that if only a few more songwriters took this approach then maybe, just maybe, the world would be a better place.

Marco writes from experience, and those experiences are rich and varied. Whether they come from the happy memories of hearing his mom sing in Italian or listening to the great swing records his dad brought home, or from the darker experiences such as the teenage car crash that left him traumatised for years, the songs on ‘Diary of a Recluse’ have that personal sound that cannot be imitated.

He has been likened to greats such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and John Denver. While that is flattering for any artist, Marco is very much his own man in terms of his musical style, which can vary from traditional folksy blues to catchy country ballads.

Songs like ‘Chasing the Wind’ clearly show the depth of the man’s soul, while on the flip side ‘She’s Alright’ demonstrates that Marco is a writer who has the popular touch.

There are tracks here, like ‘Before You Hit The Ground’ and ‘Half The Way’ which could become folk classics if they get the audience.

Will Quinnell from Sterling Sound, whose credits also include such artists as Amy Winehouse, Nelly Furtado, Bo Rice, Rihanna, Missy Elliott and Lil’ Kim also does a beautiful job mastering the CD.

With interest from TV companies and an impressive roster of country’s finest musicians backing him up, it shouldn’t be too long before Marco gets that audience.

This might be the diary of a recluse, but if things go to plan, Marco Catracchia won’t be one much longer…

After 250+ reviews, a first . . .
I don't even know where to begin. Simply a beautiful song. Lyrically perfect with great imagery from the opening lines. "Painted stars on a backdrop night" is a great line. Lead male vocals are spot on. Crisp and clean with every nuance and intonation carefully framed in each measure. Guitar is actually played not just strummed. As to the headline - I have reviewed over 250 song reviews, several goosebump moments during this one. Had to listen more than once -Thanks for a great song
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Lyrics, Melody, Mood, Originality, Best Feel Good Track.

- courtneyjonesmusic
http://www.courtneyjonesmusic.com

And Another One Bites The Dust
It's not fair to all those wannabee's that post here in the GB acoustic genre and use computers, synth's, loops and and generic lyrics and drop by the wayside as this moves solidly up through the acoustic charts. They don't understand that it's hard to have feeling when they don't have the very basic abilities to vary their rhythm to empahsize a powerful lyrical development throughout the whole song. They don't realize that it's necessary to have talent and be able to demonstrate a command of the instrument that they play (in this case, the guitar). They don't understand that it is not necessary to have a song of this quality dependant on reverbs, phone vox, double choruses, and the whole lineup of toys offered through home computers. They should understand that a real song comes through without all the hoopla. But then, this is a master at his trade who shall not remain nameless as he moves up through the rounds while the others bite the dust.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Guitars, Production, Lyrics, Melody, Mood, Originality.

- BUZZARDWEST
San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico

Balad number #1
This is awesome song to listen in the rain. Really awesome melody . I love the emotion of the song. Makes me want to listen to it again.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Lyrics, Melody, Mood.

- RayJordan
Laguna Beach, California

Finally...
A good song. A great song. There's tons of well recorded, well produced songs on this site; but very few that show real songwriting skills like this one. Because in the end, that's what it's all about. Does the song move you, does it take you, does it speak to you?

This one does. It speaks to the heart. And it doesn't take any detour or fancy digression, it shoots straight.

Making music is first and foremost about writing a powerful melody and lyrics people can relate to. Both of which you've got there, my friend. The rest is just wrapping up a nice package, and anyone, with a little money, can do that.

Sure I could tell you, that your main volume is a bit too low, that strings at the second verse would really help the song take off, that your voice is so good it doesn't need a fancy vibrato or that some sort of bass sound would give it more depth... But all these are meaningless details. Any mid-level producer with the latest plug ins on his protools will do that for you.

What he can't do, and what most musicians on this site will never achieve, is what you already have: the ability to write melodies that touch the heart and words that move the soul. That's priceless.

This what I'm trying to achieve with my music too, and your song just reminded me that we're on the right track, no matter what the jealous and talentless around us might say...

Thanks for the inspiration, buddy.
This one's on my playlist...
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Guitars, Lyrics, Melody, Best Potential Movie Soundtrack.

- lionelchaz
New York

Sweet, simple and great!
Man you're blessed with the voice that just makes you want to listen and listen. Simple sweet song, Tell them that I'm ok... love the lyrics. The production is laid back... just solo voice and guitar but man it's deep. I thoroughly enjoyed listening and will add this to my favorites. You keep writing and singing and you'll make something happen with that voice of yours.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Production, Lyrics, Best Potential Movie Soundtrack.

- BlueRidgeMan
North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Posted on: Friday, October 3, 2008

Catracchia an artist with wider appeal
Third album may be the one that takes him far beyond our shores

By Wayne Harada

"Diary of a Recluse (and Other Short Stories)" by Marco Catracchia; Mistralwind Records



Genre: World music, folk.

Distinguishing notes: Marco Catracchia's third is likely to be his break-out vehicle. There's so much passion and wisdom in his original music, clearly influenced by popsters such as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan with, ahem, echoes of The Byrds, and even John Denver and perhaps Bryan Adams.
"Before You Hit the Ground" is one of those easy-to-remember folkie anthems, but the simplicity of ballads like "Chasing the Wind" truly get to the essence of his soul and poetry. On the latter, he asks, "Will I ever get it right? I've searched without and within." Yes, he gets it right here.

There's variety aplenty. "For You (Until the End)" is a country-rock ballad with multiple voice tracking and choral support; "Sweet Angel" is a heavenly duet featuring Megan Mount creating visions of Nashville, with lyrics by Marco's wife, Roslyn; "Learn to Live" provides more aural surprises, structured alongside the memories shared; "She's Alright" is a finger-snapper that makes you recall the cheerfulness of Roger Miller.

And that's the essence of "Diary of a Recluse." Catracchia has been operating on the dark side of a shadow for far too long; it's time to get in the sun and limelight. For listeners and fans, here's an artist with tales, themes and topics that touch your heart and spirit, so listen up and get on the bandwagon.

The disc comes with the desirable and appreciated lyrics; and check on the liner notes to see how many superb vocalists and musicians have provided their time and talent and seal of approval.

Our take: With proper marketing and exposure — and yes, it takes bucks — Marco Catracchia should aim for a national audience and stage. The time has come for the recluse to rise.