Graffiti61 is Dominic Massaro, an artist in several mediums but particularly in ambient electronica. (He also happens to be a top-notch bass player who favors Steinbergers: he has played with DoSul and many other bands that don't get much airplay but ought to)

This is a great album, an assortment of emotive sculptures in sound which beg to be experienced by candlelight via the highest quality sound equipment to which you have legal and moral access. My favorite track must be "An Honest Answer Is Like A Kiss On The Lips".

But an even better collection of Graffiti61 creativity (if you can find it) is his album Mind Blossom. When I am driving long distance alone at night, I'll put "4a.m." on repeat. The night drive becomes a mystical experience.

The only available albums right now are Time Warp and Space Tourist: see his website, graffiti61.com. He lets folks download certain tracks for free too, from his earlier sold-out albums.

Better than any of his recorded work are his live shows. His website says, "Massaro builds musical pieces looping instruments, one by one, thus adding layers and textures sequentially recreating and reinventing his music at every performance with no two shows exactly alike."

I don't understand the technical music theory of what he does at his live shows, but the result has to be experienced to be believed. It is the musical equivalent of spontaneous spoken-word performance: evocative, emotional, unhinged and yet coherent.


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Listening