Customer Reviews

Solitary Travel

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a folk and bluegrass DJ in northern Indiana, I am always on the lookout for artists that fall under the radar. Sam Pacetti certainly qualifies. His guitar-work on "Solitary Travel", is exceptional with an Irish flair, and he proves that he has a more than adequate voice to back up his own picking. His high-speed flatpicking instrumental numbers are the best on "Solitary Travel" -- "Brian's Rapier," "Merrily Kissed the Quaker's Wife," and "Triple-Sec" are outstanding, and Pacetti owns up to an obvious influence from Martin Simpson with his version of "Shawnee Town." While it seems he has a local stature in his native Florida, it appears that his following does not necessarily follow him out of the Sunshine State. This is a shame. I would glady list Pacetti in my "Best Folk Musicians Few Have Heard Of" category and would encourage more people to find and peruse his work, so that I may evetually take him OFF of the list.

This is quite possibly the best acoustic album that I have heard in many years. The songs are ageless! As a finger picker myself I can hardly contain my enthusiasm as I listen to the complexities and soulful signifigance in his music. The music reminds me of Michael Hedges or Leo Kottke with a few extra fingers! You must buy this album as it is manditory for a serious music lovers CD collection. I have three. I buy one every time I see him play live. If you pass through St. Augustine, check him out. Unbelievable! This album sooths your soul and will blow your mind. This kid is going somwhere.

When will there be another album,Sam? I'm itching for more!

Sam Pacetti has a God given talent. That along with years of practice have enabled him to play a 6 string to it's fullest extent. He reminds me of Leo Kottke and the late Michael Hedges rolled into one. Sam is a excellent performer though very modest in person. He has the ability to amaze you and relax you all at the same time. Anything he plays comes highly recommended for a good reason.

This man is the unsung hero of the guitar world. Sam is one of the most "mindful" musicians I have ever met in my life. Period. You have not lived until you hear his music. He touches the heart and will enlighten your existence. Not just with his herculine technical ability, but with his emotional delivery that is easily and most comfortably felt through this entire work. If you're ever in St. Augustine, FL at the Milltop Tavernon Monday nights... you'll be thankful you witnessed him live. Thanks Sam!

I had the pleasure of seeing Sam live in St. Augustine this week. I've had this CD for about a year and it is pretty much a permanent installation in my CD changer. The speed is awesome and accurate, but plenty of players have that down. What sets Sam apart is the vast range of moods and voices he brings out of his guitar. Seeing him live was a fork in the road for me. I play finger-style guitar and knew at the end of the show that I should either quit or get serious.

The CD is a must for finger-style guitar enthusiasts. I rate Sam up there with Michael Hedges, Will Ackerman, Pierre Bensusan, Doyle Dykes, Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins...(Actually, I think he's better than some, if not all of these guys, but don't tell Sam that...he's just getting started and I don't want him to get the big head ya know...)

ANOTHER CD SAM!

I have seen Sam play at Cafe Eleven in St. Augustine Beach and he is AMAZING. Having studied under Gamble Rogers he has taken his God given talent and expanded it to an extrordinary level. While seeming so relaxed, he plays with abandon and it sounds like two or more people are playing. He is a gentle, humble performer who loves to play, and is trying to help others by hosting singer soungwriter nights at the cafe. If you are a guitar player or just a music lover check out Sam and you will not be dissapointed.

I stumbled upon this guy playing in a smokey bar in St. Augustine a few years ago. Truly an amazing talent. He does stuff with his guitar that seems like 3 people are playing. And if I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have beleived it. He's awesome. C'mon Sam, burn a new one! We want more!

I promise you none of the 5 star reviews of Sam Pacetti's "Solitary Travel" are exagerations. In fact most are understated. I caught Sam live at Cafe 11 in St Augustine, Florida as the opening act for the artist I went to see. I had never heard of Sam before that night but the treasure of his music was one of the most fantastic discoveries of my lifetime. Sam is a master guitarist who's every note rings clear as a bell. Some one needs to drag that lad back into the recording studio because there is a legacy in that man's soul that is hugely untapped. The world needs to hear Sam's music.

Sam Pacetti is one of the best finger-style guitar players I've heard in a long time. I'd place him up there with my own personal "guitar gods", such as Don Ross (whose "First Ride" he does an interesting cover of on this album), Michael Hedges, Chris Proctor, Pierre Bensusan, Peppino D'Augustino, Dave Evans, Martin Simpson, and (of course) Leo Kotke. He's a pretty good singer/songwriter, too. I hope I don't have to wait too long for his next album to come out.

I haven't seen or heard anyone at Sam's age play the guitar like he does! With such eligence and amazing passion, he stimulates the heart and totally boggles the mind with the runs he easily pulls off. This record is kinda like Michael Jordan in college. He was a great discovery and impressed all with subtle brillance. After time, Michael Jordan and the Bulls won I don't know 5 or 6 championship titles. I'm sure Sam's second effort would even blow the socks off of all the guitar legends that are still alive. That's if they are fortunate enough to hear it. Look out for this guy cause I'm sure he will be coming out of the wood works, and if he doesn't, he'd be one of the greatest talents to go undiscovered to the masses. Good luck Sam!!!!