Talent beyond compare
a friend and photographer | Greenwich, CT | 09/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Marc Berardo's music and lyrics have been very inspirational in my life. I have the opportunity of knowing Marc on a personal basis and after hearing his first CD Further on Tomorrow, I could not wait until his second CD, Second Chance was released. Marc has such a remarkable way with words and music that I find myself in awe everytime I listen to him. Second Chance is a CD with a selection of songs that truly reflect Marc's incredible talent as a musician and songwriter. He captures feelings and emotions that all of us can relate to at one time or another in our life. I am proud to be his friend and one of his biggest fans."
A Rich Experience
RP | Mamaroneck, NY United States | 11/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It takes a few serious listenings to appreciate the seamless transition Marc Berardo has achieved between his latest record, "Second Chance," and his suberb debut "Further on Tomorrow." The two differ in ways that illustrate the maturity of Berardo as a songwriter as he enters another fine recording to be enjoyed by a growing number of fans.Berardo has become comfortable as a teller of life's saga. Given the opportunity, his music draws us into a warm and slow wander where it is pleasurable to listen to his songs again and again; that cannot be said of many records.Berardo writes songs carefully and with great feeling. One can sense his concern and the precision with which he "experiences" each song. The same sharp, melodic character endures throughout the record, making a coherent collection of songs. Here, the emotion of the songwriting is more developed and complex, more so than the rather personally downcast lyrics in some early songs. While Berardo's worldview remains consistent-his reality being one of struggle with an angst flavor-there is much more here than that: There is another dimension to this music.The recording is so tight and the songs so unique. "After the Show" talks about the retirement community of circus workers. Has anyone ever considered the condition of that population? Berardo forces us to think about them and we emerge with a new view of the way we "are." The listener is obliged to think again about our common condition as more than either just black and white. In "Burning," Berardo integrates the passion and dleight of life with its inevitable tumult and uncertainty. These things give life-and his songs-a real texture."On the Last Day of Summer" is an example of the ambient and lyrical song that is smart, with a solid foundation that allows Berardo to be uninhibited in revealing himself. Likewise, "Downtown," is a stirring and tuneful ballad that feels so natural.The beautiful and soulful "Into the Great Unknown" says so much with so few words. Again, great care has been put on this mature record. Too much cannot be said, one must hear for themselves and experience it wholly. At times while listening to this record I thought of the way Jerry Jeff Walker sang some of his songs. It's the way the voice glides over the notes, signalling what's coming and easing us out from where we are. It is fitting, too, that Jerry Jeff Walker said "one goes through a series of experiences, then draws upon them for his inspiration, wherever it may lead." I think it's to Marc Berardo's credit that he allows himself to go to places where others are naturally afraid to go. It can be treacherous and terrifying to look into that side of life, but he takes the chance.At times, too, this record is reminiscent of Ramblin' Jack Elliot and Bruce Hornsby. And "Second Chance" has a serious modern feel. I was confused by the title, "Second Chance" which implied to me that some "luck" was involved, something without human intention or effort. Surely an alternative meaning applies: perhaps "opportunity." Here, Marc Berardo has solidified his opportunity to receive the respect and admiration he deserves for pouring so much into work. By the way: his rendition of the title track is flawless."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1