Hell in Paradise

[alfstone]

This tune was inspired by one of those news stories that, due to their daily repetition and uniformity, end up becoming routine: the landings of immigrants on the island of Lampedusa.

https://www.ansa.it/sicilia/notizie/2023/06/01/altri-due-sbarchi-a-lampedusa-oggi-dieci-con-355-migranti_5ef8e182-93bb-447d-8dc5-72144eb20117.html

The island of Lampedusa, located south of Sicily, has been for years the landing point for tens of thousands of desperate people trying to escape from war, hunger and misery, attempting to reach this way the European continent. However, many are the ones who often die drowned, aboard overcrowded and dilapidated rubber dinghies and boats. Nevertheless, it is also a beautiful island, a paradise for tourists captivated by a splendid and unspoiled sea. It is, therefore, a demonstration of how, depending on the perspective, a heavenly place can easily become a hellish one.

Therefore, it is a composition based on the contrasts between sweet, dreamy, almost idyllic sounds, and harsh, dark, menacing tones, like the sea can be.

This composition is dedicated to the victims of despair and to the heroes who, silently and daily, strive to save human lives.

For once, I believe that the video I created for this occasion is important in order to explain better the meaning of the piece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRhYIkXhf3o

Alfredo

[Farrell Jackson]

I started with the song but quickly switched to the video. You are right, the video is as important as the song in order to get the full impact of the situation. A happy and sad place and a very touching song and video. The guitar solo work is fantastic Alfredo!

[StephenM]

very nice work and an important look at these kinds of all to familiar places.  The gap between ultra rich and poor is getting larger all the time...

The music smokes... that guitar solo sounds awesome... it is a lovely piece...

[Johnbee]

The music is hauntingly beautiful.  The imagery of the video is both beautiful and troubling.

You've made your point very well, my friend.

  John B

[mdhastings]

I was impressed with your choice of instrumentation. The smooth backing swirling Rhodes sound juxtaposed with the harsher lead sound seem to provide the perfect acoustical expression of your theme.  Your video really brought it all home. Nice work!

[thetworegs]

Well put together video loving that solo cutting through the dreammy music like a knife through butter bringing the reality of the situation to the for. I'm with the slogan on the banner protect people not borders" walk a mile in my shoes before you criticize and accuse"

[Redler]

Such a sad news, but just wonderful music. The backer is relaxing and beautiful.

Lead and solo guitar sound so good!

[Mike_S]

I heard this a few times today while working. That style of lead soloing along with the tone just blew me away. It reminds me of the great Gary Moore. Great composition.

Mike

[Blooby]

The opening guitar is so very tasty. Just lovely accompaniment. And mixed so well.

Killer solo to boot and love how you navigated a couple chord changes in there. Was that a big gated reverb on it or just delay?

Really nice.

[des0free]

Cool piece, I was pleasantly jolted when the overdrive kicked in!  Skillful playing!