Search - Gavin Lurssen :: Restless

THE COMPARISON TO MICHAEL HEDGES IS OBVIOUS AND TRUE!

Bill Stenton | 05/25/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A very soothing CD by a newcomer. The music has a flavor of early Michael Hedges, but none of the "edge" that made Hedges so wonderful. Lurssen doesn't take any musical chances (maybe because he's young, maybe because he doesn't want to offend)and in not doing so, he does the listener a dis-service. You have to LISTEN to this CD-the music does not come to you, and thus, it is quite easy to have the whole disc play through when the sudden realization comes that you heard none of it. I wouldn't recommend this cD to someone who is just getting into acoustic artists, but it is a nice addition to an acoustic lover's library. Would like to hear Gavin in about 5 years when he has more life under his frets."

Restless Is

Bill Stenton | Manhattan Beach | 02/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gavin's playing evokes almost cinematic images - like a journey through landscapes as varied as the different musical modes of his songs. Some of his pieces are gritty and immediate, some spiritual and aloof. Some are romantic, others exhilarating. All the musicians, Gavin Lurssen on guitar, Lars Danielsson on bass and Sarah O'Brien on cello, are superb players. Gavin is all over his guitars, pounding them like drums, beating out thick, earthy chords, picking out delicate lines of counterpoint. Some of the songs, like the title song, "Restless" and "All In A Day," feel composed. While others, like "Imagine That" feel more extemporaneous. There is an intimacy in the way the songs are recorded that makes it sound as if you're hearing it live. I love this CD. I haven't stopped listening since I got it."