Justin Bernasconi Blank Page

Master folk guitarist, Justin Bernasconi follows up on his critically acclaimed albums Winter Pick(2014) and Barefoot Wonderland(2017) with the release of the first two singles from his forthcoming album Sleeping Like A Maniac, produced by Jeff Lang and due for release later this year.

Blank Page on the A Side, see's Justin narrate the loops of a stalled mindset, a struggle to express tangled thoughts. The dreaded 'writer's block' that accompanies a worried mind. And yet, the multi-instrumentalist displays a gift for poetry. The compelling opening track signals a sophisticated musical ride across the album. Justin Olson (drums), Anita Hillman (cello Mae Trio) and Ben Franz (The Stillsons, The Waifs) on double bass provide skilled and subtle backing. On 'Blank Page', producer Jeff Lang captures echoes of Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, The Tallest Man On Earth… Bernasconi plays masterful guitar while offering so much more.

Bonus track, Flags Staked Upon This Hill is the B-side, and is written about the 'point of reckoning' in the breakdown of a relationship, with the rousing chorus: 'If I turn, should I stay?' Esoteric lyrics portray both longing and anger as a man self-righteously claims victory over a relationship issue while losing the relationship itself. Win the battle, lose the war. The single features Ben Franz (The Stillsons) on electric bass with Cat Canteri's drums rolling on with a military momentum. Justin (Harmony Sovereign Guitar, Mandolin and Tambourine) is joined on vocals by Mandy Connoll.

A man. A guitar. A song. Justin Bernasconi takes the essence of the time-honoured trinity to captivating instrumental heights. Together, guitar and words plumb the depths of the human condition but also illuminate the little joys that make it all worthwhile. Australian Guitar Magazine have named him "One of the country's most interesting new acoustic guitar talents." UK premier roots music magazine fROOTS likened him to 'Leo Kottke and John Fahey on the instrumentals and John Prine on the songs."…and Maverick Magazine (UK) said of his album Winter Pick "…..an album you really need to listen to". Justin Bernasconi is a rarity among guitarists and songwriters. Straddling styles and sounds from the Delta Blues, Appalachian Bluegrass, English Folk and all stops in between, his highly original tunes are infused with exciting and soulful guitar playing.

Blank Page and Flag Staked Upon This Hill will be launched live on Sunday May 30th with an afternoon show at the Retreat Hotel in Melbourne and then head to NSW for performances at the Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival on the 5h June and the Studio Folk Club in Armidale on Sunday 6th June.