Search - Gerson Garcia, Cheo Hurtado :: Bandola of the Llanos

Rhythm & Energy

Julie & Jim Whiting | New York, NY | 06/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I just returned from Venezuela a few weeks ago and set out to find some recordings that would approximate the amazing music I heard while visiting. So far I've come up with this album and "Music From the Orinoco River" by Cheo Hurtado. I usually don't purchase CD's anymore unless I can hear them first, however this album was an exception because I was so impressed with Hurtado's solo cuatro playing (from the album above). Gerson Garcia is absolute virtouso on the bandola. Not much more needs to be said. The hemiolic rhythm flows effortlessly between 2s, 3s, 4s and groupings of 6 while continuing to drive forward. The only down side to the album is the relatively narrow spectrum of tempi and instrumentation. (Bandola, Cuatro, Maracas) Nevertheless, every single robust track is packed with drive and unflinching energy."