11 Through The Stars.mp3

Italy, together with Sweden, were in the last five years or so the generating plants responsible - in grand part - for the Melodic Rock / AOR resurgence around the world.
Latest contribution is CHARMING GRACE, the project developed by Shining Line and Lionville rhythm section Pierpaolo 'Zorro' Monti (drums) and Amos Monti (bass), together with Davide 'Dave Rox' Barbieri (lead vocals & keyboards in Wheels Of Fire).
Their self-titled debut "Charming Grace" is, of course, a classy Melodic Rock / AOR release that will make every single fan of these genres very happy.

Most of the songs were written by Zorro and Davide except two covers; Bon Jovi's "Everybody's Broken" and Belinda Carlisle's major 1989's hit single "Leave A Light On".
What it's truly impressive is the list of musicians involved: every track features a guest star sharing lead vocals with Barbieri, and the guitars are provided by renowned axe slingers.
Among the highlights it's a real pleasure listening again ex-Boulevard (Canada) singer David Forbes recording again after more than twenty years in the smooth "Shining Light".
The phenomenal voice of Michelle Luppi (Los Angeles, Vision Divine) sounds fabulous on "Close Your Eyes", a track with an ultra catchy chorus and making it clear that Luppi is at his best moment. This man needs to record a solo album immediately.

Nick Workman (Vega) rocks good on the breathtaking opener "Everytime You Touch My Heart", then Lionville's Stefano Lionetti sweetens "Through The Stars".
The cover of "Everybody's Broken" really fits Barbieri's vocal range, well accompanied by Hungryheart's Josh Zighetti, while the best ballad on the record "Bring Back My Life" has the great voice of Urban Tale, Kimo Bloom.
"The Sound Of Your Heart" is the top rocking song on the album featuring Alessandro Del Vecchio, one of the most active musicians in the Melodic Rock field nowadays, and the uptempo "Run Away" sports a brilliant chorus line with a surprising performance by Jesse Galante.
Last but not least, we have the bonus track for Europe; the cover of Belinda Carlisle's big hit "Leave A Light On" nicely arranged and performed.

If you're a Melodic Rock AOR lover, you can't go wrong with "Charming Grace".
There's some really good songs impregnated with all the classic '80s sounds and melodies, well performed and correctly produced.
Apart from the mentioned lead vocal contributions, we have a ton of other luminaires present in this recording: Jeff Paris, Sven Larsson, Peter Friestedt, Moon Calhoun, etc... just check the incredible personnel list below.
A Mandatory Listening.


01. Everytime You Touch My Heart (feat. Nick Workman)
02. The Way You Feel Inside (feat. Moon Calhoun)
03. Shining Light (feat. David Forbes)
04. Just Take My Hand (feat. Gui Oliver)
05. Close Your Eyes (feat. Michele Luppi)
06. Still Dreamin' (feat. Thomas Lassar)
07. The Sound of Your Heart (feat. Alessandro Del Vecchio)
08. Everybody's Broken (feat. Josh Zighetti)
09. The Answer Was You (feat. Bente Smaavik)
10. Run Away (feat. Jesse Galante)
11. Through the Stars (feat. Stefano Lionetti)
12. Endless Flame (feat. Henrik Launbjerg)
13. Bring My Life Back (feat. Kimmo Blom)
14. Leave a Light On (feat. Aurë)

Davide 'Dave Rox' Barbieri - Vocals, Keyboards
Amos Monti - Bass
Pierpaolo 'Zorro11' Monti - Drums, Percussion

LEAD VOCAL guests:
David Forbes (Boulevard)
Nick Workman (Vega)
Moon Calhoun (Michael Thompson Band)
Michele Luppi (Los Angeles, Secret Sphere)
Thomas Lassar (Crystal Blue)
Bente Smaavik (Perfect Crime, Blonde On Blonde)
Stefano Lionetti (Lionville)
Kimmo Blom (Urban Tale)
Jessie Galante
Gui Oliver (Auras)
Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge Of Forever, Hardline, Lionville)
Henrik Launbjerg (Toys Of Joy)
Josh Zighetti (Hungryheart)
Aurë

BACKING VOCALS:
Jeff Paris
Michael Carrata (Soul Seller)
Franco Campanella (Myland)
Tomas Borgogna (Borgogna)
Dario Grillo (Platens)

GUITARS:
Sven Larsson (Lionville, Sapphire Eyes, Coastland Ride)
Peter Friestedt (Williams/Friestedt)
Roberto Priori (Danger Zone)
Mario Percudani (Hungryheart, Shining Line, Lionville)
Stefano Lionetti (Lionville)
Mario Manzani (Florence 99)
Steve De Biasi (Gunshy)
Stefano Zeni (Wheels Of Fire)
Tom Martin (Vega)
Andrea Lanza (Skill In Veins)
Carmine Martone
Matteo Serra

KEYBOARDS:
James Martin (Vega)
Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge Of Forever)