Italian guitarist and composer, Daniele Gottardo, has developed a reputation worldwide, not just only for his virtuosity and versatility, but for the depth and sophistication of his compositions, which blend electric guitar and chamber orchestra.
Steve Vai singled Daniele out as a favorite:
“I’m often asked who is my favorite new young guitar player. Well, here he is: Daniele Gottardo. He’s Italian, and I have been following him for quite some time now. He has an elegant touch, stunning intonation, innovational style, and he honors the melody. Enjoy, and check out his record Non Temperato for a real treat.”
Steve Vai, in Guitar World Magazine, January 26, 2017
As a solo artist, Daniele has produced two albums prior to INkBlot—Frenzy of Ecstasy (2010, Digital Nations) and Non Temperato (2014, self-released). His albums stand out for their highly innovative use of electric guitar within a compositional and orchestral context. Additionally, his jazz-rock trio, The Nuts, released a bold debut album, Giant Nuts (2016, self-released), a ferocious combination of chops, energy, and musical sophistication.
Daniele has served as an artistic producer for various projects, including string production for guitar legend, Jason Becker, on Triumphant Hearts (2018, Mascot Records). In 2016 he collaborated with Michael Molenda, then Editor-in-Chief of Guitar Player Magazine, and American guitarist/composer, Gretchen Menn, on Abandon All Hope, a concept album based on Dante’s Inferno that blends modern and classical instruments.
He has performed in some of the most prestigious guitar festivals, including Malibu Guitar Festival (USA, 2017), Guitare En Scene (France, 2016), Ziua Chitarelor (Romania, 2016), Jason Becker Not Dead Yet Festival (Holland, 2013), Eddie Lang Jazz Festival (Italy, 2010, 2013, 2015).
INkBlot is Daniele’s third solo album, and marks an even greater melding of high-energy electric guitar and 20th century composition.