This is a unique, if not always successful, recording. Draghici is a master of his instrument, and only a few bars are needed to put away your preconceived notions of "Zamfir Plays Bacharach" and other late-night TV traves... more »ties. He comes from a family full of legendary musicians and he does them proud with traditional and original songs that have deep roots in his family's Romanian Gypsy and Jewish heritage. The production is enhanced by the participation of Omar Faruk Tekbilek on baglamas (Turkish lute) and zurna (double reed). Songs like "Beyond the Black Sea," with a trio of Draghici, Faruk, and Randy Crofton on percussion, are among the best works on the album. Others pieces, however, use various instrumental additions centered on creating "accessibility." Their straight-time signatures and simple melodies just add bulk instead of flavor. --Louis Gibson« less
This is a unique, if not always successful, recording. Draghici is a master of his instrument, and only a few bars are needed to put away your preconceived notions of "Zamfir Plays Bacharach" and other late-night TV travesties. He comes from a family full of legendary musicians and he does them proud with traditional and original songs that have deep roots in his family's Romanian Gypsy and Jewish heritage. The production is enhanced by the participation of Omar Faruk Tekbilek on baglamas (Turkish lute) and zurna (double reed). Songs like "Beyond the Black Sea," with a trio of Draghici, Faruk, and Randy Crofton on percussion, are among the best works on the album. Others pieces, however, use various instrumental additions centered on creating "accessibility." Their straight-time signatures and simple melodies just add bulk instead of flavor. --Louis Gibson
CD Reviews
Amazing
Maiden1968 | Florida, USA | 03/09/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first saw Damian Draghici on a PBS special from Bucharest. I must admit, I had never heard a panflutist before and had expected to be changing the channel a few short moments into the broadcast. I couldnt have been more wrong. I saw and heard a performance which was not only moving and passionate, but simply amazing. I was compelled to purchase any CD I could find by The Virtuoso. This CD, while being the only one I can find currently, is just as moving and compelling as his PBS performance. I recommend it highly."
This is a rising star!
chinka liba | USA | 05/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this album. This is the best pan flute cd that I have ever heard. I hope that there is more on the way. Draghici is defenitely what i would call a "master of the pan flute". I am blown away by his passion in his playing. I heard Draghici's interview on NPR and I was so impressed with his story that I felt that I had to write my own review. Draghici is on his way to being a star and I am looking forward to hearing what he will have for his audience in the future. I am telling all of you out there who love pan flute or are just looking for a great new sound, go buy this cd. You will not regret it."
Best pan flute player ever
chinka liba | 02/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Best CD, Best Pan Flute Player. There is no other pan flute player that plays this instrument like Draghici. I called this CD simply the best."
THE BEST, NO ONE PLAYS PAN FLUTE LIKE THIS
chinka liba | 09/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS CD HAS NOT BEEN THE TALK OF THE TOWN, WHERE ARE THE REVIEWS? I JUST KNOW I LOVED IT"
Stopped in my tracks
karimnc | Raleigh, North Carolina | 05/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was driving home listening to NPR and heard an interview with the artist. When I got home I sat in my car, unable to get out until the interview was finished.The first thing I did was look up the CD here. Truly an amazing talent, with an amazing life, and somehow, everything that he has experienced comes through clearly in his music, which carries its own life and breath in every note."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1