Soulstice is the perfect title for Danny Trent’s finger-style solo acoustic guitar album. On top of great songs and playing, the sound quality of the album is stunning. I had to keep looking behind my computer monitor to be sure Danny wasn’t playing in my office! The musical styles are quite varied from one track to the next, yet the album flows seamlessly. I’m really impressed with how good this album is! Quoting Danny:

“Soulstice” is a solo fingerstyle acoustic guitar album centered on melody, groove, and dynamic independence. The music blends modern fingerpicking with elements of jazz, folk, and cinematic writing, aiming for an expressive and intimate sound. The album consists of 12 instrumental tracks performed on steel-string acoustic guitar.

Danny Trent was born in Bari, Italy. His passion for music was ignited when he was nine years old and his mother put a classical guitar under their Christmas tree. Danny studied classical guitar, graduating with honors from the Niccolò Piccinni Conservatory of Music in Bari. He continued his studies in both classical and more modern music genres with internationally renowned musicians and leading figures in the Italian music scene, earning many awards and accolades along the way. He’s been a teacher, a session musician, played in tribute bands, and performed solo and with a variety of other artists. Danny released his first album, Two Homes, in 2018.

Soulstice begins with “Get To The Point,” a lively bit of musical sunshine that sets the tone for the album. Light and breezy, it’s a great start! “The Claw” is Danny’s arrangement of a Jerry Reed piece. Jerry was an amazing guitarist, too, and I’m sure he’d be really happy with the fireworks flying from Danny’s fingers as he plays the piece! Light-hearted and easy-going, “Dapper Steps” is sure to bring a smile with its warmth and sparkle. “Snowman and Fred” continues in a playful mood, expressing joy and fun. The elegant and graceful “Un Gout de France” (“A Taste of France”) changes the mood a bit, although it, too, is very light and happy. “Angel of Time,” a heartfelt beauty that overflows with love, is one of my favorite tracks (although I really them all!). No lyrics are needed to communicate the depth and sincerity in the music. “Valseana” was composed by Sergio Assad, a Brazilian guitarist, composer and arranger. Warm, relaxed and very beautiful, it’s another favorite. “Tears in Heaven” is Danny’s arrangement of the Eric Clapton classic. Deep expression and tenderness flow from every note. Danny’s haunting arrangement of “Deborah’s Theme,” Ennio Morricone’s theme from the 1984 film, Once Upon a Time In America, very effectively demonstrates a “less is more” approach - gentle, tender and heartfelt! “Bedside Lullaby” is sweet music to relax “kids” of any age. “West Coast Wildfire” picks up the tempo and energy level considerably, conveying a sense of urgency with flying fingers and high spirits. The album closes with “Burnin’ the Roadhouse Down,” a lively country song by Steve Wariner. Danny sings the lyrics and plays guitar and drums; Marco Misciagna plays viola and Vittorio Bruno plays double bass on this one, ending the album with some high-energy musical fun.

Soulstice is a great album from the first track to the last! It is available from to stream and download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes and on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Very highly recommended!