Summer 2021 Short Takes Brief Reviews
Thomas Athanaselos "Iguazú" 2021
Iguazú is a refreshingly thematic, thoughtfully programmed album that works
convincingly as a unified whole. The title refers to the Iguazú Falls, which is the
point where Argentina and Brazil meet (the perfect name indeed for a program
featuring Brazilian and Argentinian composers). Pereira's "Bate Coxa" opens the
recording and, with its artful blending of sensual northeastern Brazilian rhythms,
aptly lays the groundwork for what is to follow. The album's title track, composed
by Athanaselos, aesthetically closes the program by at once collectivizing the ethos
in earlier works from Assad, Reis, Ramirez, and Piazolla, and offering a response
to them. Although Athanaselos deftly navigates the rhythmic complexities and
technical requirements to play this music well, it is his compelling expressivity that
serves as the unifying commodity throughout Iguazú.
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David Pedrick
Anton Emery "Isolation Waltz" 2021
It has taken eleven years for Anton Emery to release a follow-up to his delightful CD Noone Lasses (2009). His aptly titled sophomore effort, The Isolation Waltz, will further endear him to Celtic music aficionados
everywhere. Emery's touch has seasoned much like the tonal quality of a finely crafted guitar that breathes and oscillates more fully the more it is played and ages. Both the OM guitar built by Fabrizio Alberico and a
Goodall Standard are exceptional voices for this collection of Celtic tunes accented with two originals from Emery, the mournful and solemn title track and playful "Breitenbush." Although the overall feel of The Isolation
Waltz is traditional, Emery's inclusion of astutely arranged tunes from fiddler Eliza Carthy, accordionist Daniel Thonon, and nyckelharpa player Markus Svensson adds a sweetness that makes this CD very special indeed.
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James Filkins
Zar Acoustic "Awake" 2021
Zar Acoustic, the nom de musique of Alessandro Zangrando, knows no bounds. He calls his style of playing the guitar "lap tapping" fingerstyle. Body percussion, string tapping and slapping, and even playing behind the
saddle for a little extra zing are all part of the pleasure on Zar's new EP, Awake. An Italian player based in Dublin, Zar attributes his lap tapping to Kaki King and the soundtrack of the film August Rush. He's also
inspired by such shredders as Yngwie and Steve Vai. But Awake is a mellow, contemplative collection of tunes that, Zar says, are inspired by notions of spiritual evolution in times of inevitable change. This is delicious
music, full of rich harmonics and sophisticated beats, all erupting from Zar's dancing hands.
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Brian Clark
Darren Kobetich "The Yucca Tapes" 2021
Darrin Kobetich current release The Yucca Tapes encompasses a diverse collection of alluring and innovative sonic vignettes. The guitarist lives in Fort Worth, Texas teaching in the area and performing at eclectic
venues throughout the country. The opening "Basalt Rock" contains brilliantly executed two handed percussive passages echoing the late Michael Hedges ubiquitous style. "Becky's Backyard" is a real barn-burner featuring
great country picking flanked by immaculately performed hammer-ons and pull-offs. On the rocking "1977" the guitarist is joined by bass and drums showcasing some fiery electric playing. "Bumblebee" has a predominant
Middle Eastern vibe complete with monophonic desert drones and exotic Arabic motifs. "Move Through It" and "Blackwater Kush" feature commanding slide and intricate strumming reminiscent of the great Leo Kottke. Darrin
Kobetich's The Yucca Tapes is a formidable release featuring impressive acoustic playing and assessable compositions. This recording is highly recommended for all fans of acoustic music.
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James Scott
Stelios Kyriakidis "Optica" 2020
Greek classical guitarist Stelios Kyriakidis has released a lovely EP of original music for solo guitar called Optica with flowing melodies and clean, crisp playing. The bulk of the disk is the
"Optica Suite," made up of three movements: "Dawn," "Sunset," and "Night." The individual movements all contribute to a sense of the development of a day, with rhythms of life, brightening skies, and
the fade to darkness. In "Night," we hear a simple arpeggio repeated on the treble strings while the slow melody plays out on the bass strings, then evolves into a more deeply developed idea - and then
comes back to the original theme. "Prelude in D" is a romantic nugget that shines light and grace. The disk ends with "Hope Springs Eternal," the longest piece on the recording. Kyriakidis has a delightful
way of creating bright, shimmering melodies that you want to hear again.
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Kirk Albrecht