Solitary Travel

Solitary Travel

Editorial Reviews
Eric Fidler, Associated Press
"Whether playing a reel, covering Martin Simpson or dishing out a ravishing original, Pacetti is a simply astonishing guitarist."

Product Description
Sam Pacetti grew up in St. Augustine, Florida. At age 13, he saw Chet Atkins on TV and thought, "Yeah, that's the way guitar should be played." So Sam bought a couple of finger-picks and grew his nails. "I was terrible," he admits. Fate intervened shortly afterwards in the person of Gamble Rogers, the legendary picker and raconteur from St. Augustine who took the young Pacetti under his wing. After hearing Pacetti play, Rogers asked the high school student if he'd like to get together and pick a little guitar. Pacetti and Rogers met and played weekly for the next year. Tragically, Rogers died while trying to rescue a tourist caught in a rip current at Flagler Beach, Florida. Pacetti played at Rogers' memorial service and still counts Rogers as his most important influence. Tradition and innovation neatly balance in Sam Pacetti's music, the whole infused by a relentless intelligence. Martin Simpson and Merle Travis are touchstones to Pacetti, and while there are strong elements of the Leo Kottke/John Renbourn school of guitar wizardry throughout his work, there is a powerful raw emotionality evident as well - an earthy sensuality more reminiscent of a Greg Brown or a red-dirt blues master than of a musical academic.

Solitary Travel

Tracks:

Brian's Rapier
Shawnee Town
Ascension
Triplesec
The Lion & The Child
Saturday's Revival
Time
The First Ride
Still Alive
Doorbell
Merrily Kissed The Quaker's Wife
Bonus Track
Bonus Track

Album Description

Sam Pacetti grew up in St. Augustine, Florida. At age 13, he saw Chet Atkins on TV and thought, "Yeah, that's the way guitar should be played." So Sam bought a couple of finger-picks and grew his nails. "I was terrible," he admits. Fate intervened shortly afterwards in the person of Gamble Rogers, the legendary picker and raconteur from St. Augustine who took the young Pacetti under his wing. After hearing Pacetti play, Rogers asked the high school student if he'd like to get together and pick a little guitar. Pacetti and Rogers met and played weekly for the next year. Tragically, Rogers died while trying to rescue a tourist caught in a rip current at Flagler Beach, Florida. Pacetti played at Rogers' memorial service and still counts Rogers as his most important influence. Tradition and innovation neatly balance in Sam Pacetti's music, the whole infused by a relentless intelligence. Martin Simpson and Merle Travis are touchstones to Pacetti, and while there are strong elements of the Leo Kottke/John Renbourn school of guitar wizardry throughout his work, there is a powerful raw emotionality evident as well - an earthy sensuality more reminiscent of a Greg Brown or a red-dirt blues master than of a musical academic.

Customer Reviews:

Incredible Guitarist.......2005-10-13

There's not much I can add to the other reviewers because they're all right on target. I first heard "Brian's Rapier" on a sampler CD put out by Waterbug Music, which is organized by Andrew Calhoun (another great musician). When I first heard it, my jaw dropped open in amazement. I couldn't wait to get the full CD and was not disappointed. Check out the Waterbug website to find other great folk musicians. If you like Leo Kottke, you'll be similarly impressed with Sam Pacetti.

Update 7/6: Sam has just released a new CD called "Union" a collaboration with Gabe Valla, who produced his first CD. They make an incredible duo. Unfortunately, it's not available yet on Amazon but check out Andrew Calhoun's website, Waterbug. If you thought this CD was good, wait 'till you hear Union! He's more controlled and it really showcases his real talent as a musican. Leo Kottke, for the most part, never seemed to graduate beyond his manic playing (at least the ones I heard).

absolutely top of the world class.......2004-12-21

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.

Outstanding!.......2004-05-05

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.

Sam Pacetti.......2004-03-17

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!

Live at Cafe Eleven.......2003-02-17

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.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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