Mike Alviano

After spending most of the past decade playing guitar with fellow Kitchener/Waterloo singer/songwriter Shannon Lyon, it took Alviano several years to find his solo feet. The long-gestating results are here in nine deceptively simple acoustic-based tracks. Alviano’s tasteful guitar is augmented by excellent ambience from members of the Miniatures and other K/W mainstays, while his vocals float effortlessly on top. Like many of his peers, such as Danny Michel and Paul MacLeod, Alviano can’t be categorised as either folk or pop, which could mean a long road to mass acceptance. However, those with an appreciation of quality songwriting and great production should take note.