An outstanding album with some surprising music
S. M. Struhl | Wilmette, IL United States | 01/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The repertoire here ranges into more diverse styles of composition, and so presents more variety, than the recent John Williams album of music from Venezuela. All of the music here, however, is eminently engaging. Several of the composers obviously are highly aware of, and incorporate, a variety of idioms including jazz, indigenous music, and even a touch of rock and New Age--or so it seems to this listener--leading to some highly original moments. None of these twentieth century composers seems at all adverse to writing music with recognizeable (and at times even memorable) tunes--although this may make them quite unacceptable to certain "modernists." Maximo Pujol seems to have the most original voice, and shows both energy and wit in his compositions. The music by Saul comes closest to being bland, but it too has its ingenious moments. Victor Villandangos--who I had never heard of before--proves to be a fine guitarist who produces a generally full and pleasing tone and shows highly accomplished technique. A little more tonal variation on his part might have lent even more interest to the album, but it is hard to fault it in any way, especially at its bargain price. Even the sound is quite good. Along with the Villa-Lobos album by Norbert Kraft, this is one of the finest guitar albums issued by this label--and would do any full-price label proud as well."
PACKING FOR ARGENTINA
GEORGE RANNIE | DENVER, COLORADO United States | 02/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording of contemporary Guitar music of Argentina is played magnificently by Victor Villadangos. After listening to this splendid recording, I had fantasies of sitting in a café in Buenos Aires drinking strong coffee. Some of my favorites compositions on the album that I particularly loved are Hector Ayala 7 part "Serie Americana" Narsico Saul's "Boulevard San Jorge" Maximo Pujol's 5 part "Suite #1', and Carlos Guastino's "Sonata No.1" .
All in all, I loved this recording; it certainly put me in the mood to go to Argentina.
"
Track Listings (28) - Disc #1