Marco Catacchia releases third album

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…

Website info: www.marcocatracchia.com