"The choice of members is not arbitrary. This King Crimson I saw on the evening of June 22, 2013 had seven musicians. They were individual, specific musicians, and they were all men. If they had all been women, I would have made the phone calls. But they weren't. Are we open to women members of the band? Sure, if they're the right women in the right time, right place and right circumstance. And there is a wonderful woman named Maria Barbieri that plays “Larks' Tongues In Aspic Part Two.” But she didn't spring to mind on June 22, 2013. If she had, I would have made the call. She’s doing a great job."
- Robert Fripp View the full article
"It’s funny, there’s an Italian guitarist who’s learned that solo. She’s called Maria Barbieri, an amazing guitar player. She’s transcribed that guitar solo and she can play it exactly: I could never play it again!"
- Steven Wilson View the full article
"All musicians are doing exceptionally well tonight, this time with a new face among them as Italian guitarist Maria Barbieri regularly steals the show."
- The Progressive Aspect View the full article
"She’s proving a real asset – some have commented on her as the most natural successor to Dave Gregory which is saying something (with no disrespect to personal favorite option, Dave Foster) and the Passengers have really taken her to heart."
- At The Barrier View the full article
"BACKdigit.com è entusiasta di presentare una conversazione esclusiva con Maria Barbieri."
- BACKdigit.com View the full interview
"Fans of the band will be familiar with the talents of Alberto Bravin, Nick D’Virgilio, Rikard Sjöblom, Clare Lindley and Gregory Spawton, but also adding so much to the Big Big Train sound tonight was Italian guitarist Maria Barbieri."
- artsreviewsedinburgh.com View the full article
New 2025! - "Early impressions of the show: Guitarist Maria Barbieri was a standout, with solos matching those of Brian May. The evening was truly dominated by women, and the emphasis on rock music, which is the essence of the performance, was both fitting and prioritized."
- kulturinformation.org View the full article
New 2025! - "The band, under the direction of Søren Graversen, plays incredibly well, with guitarists Maria Barbieri and Søren Bigum in such virtuosic form that Brian May could only nod in approval."
- mortenbuckhoj.dk View the full article
Suhr Amplifier
Cadogan Hall - Steve Hackett
Live
2 Days Prog +1 Italy
King Crimson - Verona Arena
Made In Cloister - Pino Daniele Alive
Made In Cloister - Pino Daniele Alive
Centro Chitarre - Napoli
Maria Barbieri is an Italian guitarist with influences ranging from rock, hard rock, progressive rock, metal, soul, psychedelic rock, pop, and fusion. Growing up in a musical family, she has worked as a session musician and artist both in Italy and internationally. She has been mentioned by Robert Fripp (King Crimson), Steven Wilson, and others.
An official artist for Suhr, Maria is currently working on her debut solo album. Her singles include Guitar Dance In The Morning, featuring Nick Beggs, Larry Crowe, and Lenny Castro (Toto), and her latest release, A Peaceful Place.
In 2023, Maria was invited by Gregory Spawton to tour with Big Big Train across Europe receiving positive reviews. She replaced Dave Foster for the tour, and her performance was widely praised. She is featured on the band's live album and Blu-ray *A Flare On The Lens* produced by Inside Out, which includes their last two performances at London's Cadogan Hall. The album has received positive reception, ranking highly in progressive rock charts, with her solos garnering strong critical reviews.