Electrifying Performance Matteo Mancuso at Bridge Guitar Convention
Steve Vai called him “the evolution of the electric guitar”, Joe Bonamassa said he “reinvented the guitar” and Tosin Abasi called him “a virtuoso beyond virtuosos”. We’re talking about Matteo Mancuso here, and he was the absolute highlight of the second edition of the Bridge Guitar Convention in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
The Italian virtuoso from Sicily was the biggest name on the bill with several workshops by players such as jazz virtuoso Jesse van Ruller, bass player Barend Courbois and metal player Merel Bechtold. Watching a modest young player like Matteo demonstrate and explain his superhuman technique was truly enlightening.
Virtuoso playing
Although his star has only just begun to rise, he played to a packed house and demonstrated that great skill and virtuosity are still appreciated at a time when the quality of pop music is arguably at an all-time low.
During the Convention on Saturday 1 June, several boutique guitar brands such as Schwung Guitars, Aristides, KJ Band Guitars and Unquendor exhibited their products. Well-known brands such as Guild, Ibanez and Schecter were also present.
Larger venue
In terms of attendance, the convention seems to need a bigger venue. There were more than enough people to attend the workshops and try out the guitars, effects and amps – it was sold out. But maybe there weren’t enough stalls and vendors to keep you interested all afternoon.
In any case, the Bridge Guitar Convention proved that there’s a huge demand for events like this. On to edition number three!
