"Drew, thank you for having me here, thank you all for coming," greeted D'Agostino. Peppino started his set with "Nine White Kites" the title track from his most recent release. Peppino's fingers glided over the guitar strings to craft a gentle yet gorgeous progression of fret work. The next instrumental - as Peppino explained - started out as an exercise for his left hand. The first part of "Why Not" was played with only one hand tapping the sounds from the neck of the guitar. The right hand joined in with percussion and a combination of strumming and thumb thumps. It was a colorful composition.

"A few years ago I was in Costa Rica - a beautiful country," commented D'Agostino before performing a beautiful ballad that featured pick and strum combinations executed with unusual hand formations - yet, the transitions were seamless. "Beyond the Dunes" was delightful and dynamic with layered leads and rhythms.

"The guitar is one of the most versatile instruments," said Peppino who then led the audience through an array of songs that spanned the world - the first being a Brazilian medley. Another piece featured the flavors of Ireland and blended a peppy pace with foot taps and a playful guitar lead.

Introducing another song from Nine White Kites D'Agostino mentioned the downbeat and upbeat that propel people to tap their feet as what inspired the idea behind his next tune "Jump Rope". This fast-paced number incorporated bass and melody with tricky techniques that added to the different tempos of the tune.

"Estate" from the Made In Italy CD was based on the traditional music of Peppino's homeland and sung in his native tongue. Later, he spoke about growing up in Italy and his introduction to music as he played a short song that was written when he was ten years old. D'Agostino mentioned American bluegrass music, Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins. "Cowboy Minestrone" was a brilliant blend of these influences with a dash of Italian flavor enhancing the fast picking of the piece.

"Let's go to Liverpool," stated Peppino as he put his own spin on a magical medley of Beatles songs including "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" flowing into "Here Comes The Sun". The music of Buenos Aires was compelling and complex and "Sweet Sylvia" -- written for his mother in-law -- had elements of a waltz.

"Giuseppe" was a request that was sung in Italian and featured sweet string work. Sirens could be heard in the distance for a few moments and D'Agostino improvised part of The Doors' "Light My Fire". His next song was a flavorful mix of "spaghetti western" style featuring different speeds and structures mixing with string taps.

Taking the crowd to Italy, he mentioned a wind instrument that has three parts - a drone, a melody and a harmony. He incorporated these three elements into an engaging tune that also had a Celtic flair.

"This is a very special audience... so close... I feel your energy. Thank you, Drew, for being so generous with you house," said Peppino before he asked the crowd to close their eyes to really hear the music. "Blue Ocean" washed over you with its mesmerizing melody. D'Agostino's interpretation of "Walk Away Renee" was sentimental, sung in English and was enhanced by his subtle strumming. Ending the set on a higher note the last piece had a quick pace with progressions of unique textures and tones.

Peppino was an eloquent and engaging performer with a setlist that spanned a range of styles from around the world. D'Agostino was available after the concert to chat and sign CDs.

Peppino D'Agostino and his new CD, Nine White Kites!

Related Links: For more information on PEPPINO D'AGOSTINO and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- PeppinoDagostino.com | Live at Drew's

(Originally Published on April 05, 2011)