Release date: May 16, 2025
Age of Fragility is the second solo album from innovative Italian guitarist and songwriter Marco Mattei. This genre-defying work blends world beat, progressive rock, and art rock, offering a rich sonic tapestry that explores the delicate realities of modern life.
Marco recorded the album in Dreamland Recording Studios in Woodstock, NY with Duilio Galioto (keys) and the classic Peter Gabriel rhythm section featuring drummer Jerry Marotta and bassist Tony Levin. Guest appearances on the album include Tony's former King Crimson bandmate Trey Gunn and spoken word from Jennifer Maidman (David Sylvian, Boy George).
At its core, Age of Fragility is a concept album that examines themes of isolation, indifference, emotional dependency, fragile relationships, self sabotage, and depression. Through evocative storytelling and poignant lyricism, Mattei paints a vivid portrait of the complexities of the human experience, making this album a deeply introspective and thought provoking journey.
Marco Mattei: Electric Guitars, Guitar Loops, Bouzouki, Acoustic Guitars, Celesta, Keyboards, Percussion, and Programming, Lead Vocals (2)
Duilio Galioto: Piano, Wurlitzer, Hammond B3, Mellotron, Lowrey Organ, Rhodes Mk1, Vox Continental, Farfisa Compact Deluxe, Memory Moog
Jerry Marotta: Drums, Percussion
Tony Levin: Electric Bass, Upright Bass
Dave Bond: Lead Vocals
Malena Ramonet: Lead and Backing Vocals
Tino Boley: Lead Vocals
Jennifer Maidman: Voice
Trey Gunn: Warr Guitar (5)
Jeff Kightly: Lead and Backing Vocals (6)
Peter Voronov: Violin
Joe Edelmann: Lead and Backing Vocals
María Betania Hernández: Cello, Viola and Violin
Wrongonyou: Lead and Back Vocals
Michele Boni: Cavaquinho (9)
Katrin Romanova: Harp
All tracks written by Marco Mattei, except for “So Fragile”, by Marco Mattei and Duilio Galioto.
Recorded at Dreamland Studios, Woodstock (NY) in June 2024.
Sound Engineer: Ariel Shafir
Additional recordings in many corners of the world including Italy, the Netherlands, England, Turkey, Ukraine, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.
Mixed, Mastered and Produced by Marco Mattei
This album is dedicated to all people struggling to fit in today’s society.
A word of gratitude to the amazing musicians that inspired me and contributed to this album with their magic touch and to those that encouraged me and provided their valuable feedback during the process.
Special thanks: Maurizio Giovanardi, Max Rosati, Gianni Pierannunzio, Duilio Galioto, Paolo Gianfrate, Marco Machera, Daniele Tortora, Trey Gunn, A.J. Chippero, Jennifer Maidman.
Beyond special thanks for their love and support to Antonella, Matilde and Arianna.
THE COPYRIGHT IN THIS RECORDING IS OWNED BY MARCO MATTEI