Duo Cannella-Dubès "Nuages de Beau Temps" 2017
The possibilities of a classical guitar duet often seem exponentially greater than that of the solo instrument, allowing for thicker textures, more complete polyphony, and a better ability to utilize the
full range of the instrument. Duo Cannella-Dubès have released an album that fully realizes that potential through their clever arrangements and nimble playing style. Much of the album is comprised of
their arrangements, which is typical of a guitar duet, as so much non-guitar repertoire can be effectively realized on two guitars. Meanwhile, they also present two charming compositions by Fernando Sor,
which are equally as captivating as his solo repertoire. They perform on two stunning 19th century guitars, which deliver a unique and delicate tone that sets this album apart from other guitar duet recordings.
The new arrangements paired with the specific tone of the period instruments makes this album particularly pleasing.
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Timothy Smith
Scott Danger Bravo "Acoustisexual" 2018
From the first cut, which begins with what sounds like a typical fingerstyle piece but veers in a jazzy-bluesy direction, Danger Bravo announces himself as unconventional. For one thing, he's NOT a fingerstyle
acoustic guitarist -- he plays with a pick and just one finger. (This is apparently known as "sloth style," hence the title of the first cut: "Sloth in Wolf's Clothing.") For another, he was a hard-core metal guitarist
before switching exclusively to acoustic after hearing Tommy Emanuel, and a metal edge can easily detected in his pieces. The compositions, with a mashup of styles, are arresting: mellow "New York Smile is interspersed
with segments of fleet-fingered runs before returning to calm, whereas tour de force "Loose Cannons and Wild Cards" takes off and remains at high speed. But for all his virtuosity and adventurousness, one of the
strongest aspects of Danger Bravo's music is his sense of melody. "Buena Vista Ave" is a soulful piece that builds to intense, flamenco-like heights and especially showcases his very considerable gifts.
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Céline Keating
John Akapo "Paradise Blues" 2018
Taumei "Big John" Akapo sounds like he's been playing and singing the blues his entire life. A strong guitarist with an evocative voice that's absolutely perfect for the genre, the big man nicely covers
three traditional classics, Robert Johnson's "Ramblin' on My Mind," Muddy Waters' "I Can't Be Satisfied," and a particularly engaged take of Tommy Johnson's "Big Road Blues." Akapo includes seven of his own
compositions on the 10-track collection, his first. All of these works pay homage to the American genre, but Akapo's work shows a freshness and affinity for the form. His background includes growing up in
Alaska before settling in Hawaii, where he began a professional career as a luau musician, bandleader, solo entertainer, hip-hop producer and vocalist. His Samoan heritage helps him inhabit these blues songs
like a glove. The revelation in this collection is not so much the music, but a musical artist who so clearly digs this work that his enthusiasm is infectious. He'll make you feel good about being blue.
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Fred Kraus
Patrizio Perucchi "Memento" 2018
When selecting repertoire for Memento, Patrizio Perucchi was determined that he did not want to make yet another 'Spanish Guitar Favorites' CD; he wanted something cutting-edge while also accessible,
personal and introspective while also universally appealing. Perucchi did a wonderful job selecting unique and varied repertoire which still tells a cohesive story. At the core it's Perucchi's individual
musical inspirations that bind the selections together: a mix of peaceful imagery, light-hearted humor, and lively dances. His liner notes are well worth a read, as they don't offer the typical drone of
historical minutia, but rather reveal his own thoughts on and experiences with each selection. Perucchi's performance reflects his how strongly he's touched and inspired by the pieces, exploring the full
dynamic range of the instrument; be it the seething energy in Sonata Op.47 by Alberto , the playful Scherzo-Vals by Miguel Llobet, or the profound tranquility of The River Bed by Kevin Callahan. With his
unique, thoughtful, and accessible approach, Perucchi has put together an album that will appeal to all classical guitar enthusiasts.
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Timothy Smith