Bernd Steidl - Psycho Acoustic Overture (1992)

Although Swedish heavy metal guitar shredder Yngwie Malmsteen was the first to adapt Niccolo Paganini’s violin compositions to guitar, German guitarist Bernd Steidl prefers to play Paganini on the acoustic guitar. Shortly after attending Los Angeles’ Musician’s Institute of Technology, Steidl signed to Shrapnel Records in the early ’90s, issuing his debut, Psycho Acoustic Overture, in 1991. He didn’t follow it up until ten years later when his sophomore release, Paganiniana, saw the light of day. In addition to his recording career, Steidl also scores music for German motion pictures. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide

Bernd Steidl’s highly anticipated second album, “Paganiniana” is an acoustic showcase of adventurous compositions and phenomenal technique. Falling between Nuevo Flamenco, World and Classical idioms, Bernd Steidl has the technique of a master and thus the attention of the guitar community. Highlights of the album are “”Paganiniana” 1” and “”Paganiniana” 2”, in which Steidl offers his own interpretations of the great 19th century Italian artist. “It’s difficult to play Paganini on acoustic guitar because you have to play his music with real precision,” says Steidl. “If you play sloppy, everything is just gone.” Steidl is anything but sloppy, as he delivers his machine-gun solos with a passion and technical mastery that would no doubt have pleased Paganini himself.

Tracklist:1. Irrlichter
2. Cobra Negra
3. Death of Ludwig II
4. Walburgis Night
5. Campanella
6. In Venice
7. Metamorphoses
8. Jeux d'eau
9. Eine Kleine Bassmusik
10. Papillon
11. Will-O-The-Wisp