Search - Gabriela :: Detra's Del Sol

Music you would want on an endless road or sleepless night.

12/18/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Argentine artist Gabriela and masterful guitarist Bill Frisell have joined forces to create a jewel: "Detras del Sol." Frisell was first captured by Gabriela's heartfelt, breathy voice when listening to a demo tape she sent him of his song "Rambler" (titled "Tren de la Medianoche" on this c.d.). From then on, two musical soulmates were united and only beauty came of it all. However, Frisell and Gabriela couldn't have done it without percussionist Alex Acuña, accordion and harmonium player Rob Burger, bassist Bill Douglas, and violinist Eyvind Kang. The band doesn't simply play the music, they feel it. When listening to the tunes closely, it seems the instruments are having a conversation; they each gently answer to the other's call. Nevertheless, throughout the c.d., the strongest voices are Gabriela's vocals and Frisell's guitar. Both are sweet and intense, soft and full, interacting in a conversation of their own at another level. Music lovers will find this c.d. to be an entrancing experience that appeals to a variety of musical tastes. First off, you have Frisell and the band who immediately add a jazzy flavor to the tunes. Then comes Gabriela. She enchants listeners with her warm passionate voice and hints at different musical influences throughout the c.d. Songs like "Estos Son Mis Dias" and "Hermana Maria" have a clear Mexican touch to them, while "Duerme" evokes a spacey, Celtic feel. Yet other songs like "Sueño Transparente" fall into a world music category. Not only is it music from the world, but it is also music for the world. It's music that anyone on this vast earth could relate to in some way or other. What takes Gabriela's music one step further is her intense poetry. Deeply rooted in nature, her lyrics spark images of the Argentine pampas, long lost nights, flowing rivers, winds that cry, and a desolate sun that follows her throughout life. As she says in "Verano en la Pampa," "The sun is my center/my inseparable lover/it burns me, loves me abandons me/ I am vulnerable." Together with the vivid descriptions of nature come themes of life, love and death portrayed from a refreshingly new perspective. Frisell's passionate yet subtle playing intertwined with Gabriela's sultry voice create an atmosphere you would want with you on a sleepless night or endless road. It soothes the soul and fills you with warmth and serenity."

Magnificent

04/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was blown away by this artist the first time I heard this CD and I have listened to it thousands of times. I always discover something new, each time I hear it. She is a miracle, and Bill Frisell and all the musical talent that back her up have created something ethereal.This is on my Desert Island list."

Mellow into Evening

11/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lyrical, mellow, jazz ballad feeling from an amazing singer with a haunting, ethereal voice. You can feel the heat of summer and hear her strong emotions, even if you don't understand the Spanish. Great CD to play late into the evening when close friends are over for wine and deep conversations. Everyone who has heard this CD (including those who are not existing fans of international music) has raved about the voice and asked who the singer is. Definitely a CD to be added to your collection!"