The ice machine in my refrigerator broke. I called a service technician to fix it. He showed up at my house and began working on the problem while I proceeded to work on my music. When he was finished, he came to my stu... more »dio (that was in a bedroom no bigger than a closet) to present the bill to me. He noticed that I had an acoustic guitar in the corner. He told me he was a guitar player. I asked him, somewhat cynically, if he?d like to play my guitar. He paused for a moment, looked me in the eyes, answered ?yes? in a whisper, then picked up the guitar, sat on the floor and began to play. From the very first note, all I could think about were the words: Hands of God. I?ve known musicians for most of my 40 + years on this earth, and never had I heard such beautiful music. At that moment I vowed one day I would build a studio, and in this studio there would be a special room. And one day in this special room, this man would sit and play, and I?d record him for all the world to hear, this man who called himself Tony Sandate. Looking back, what I?ve learned is that every one of us has a gift inside: a beautiful, uniquely precious gift to share. When I meet someone, I remember that, and I realize how absolutely beautiful everyone is. God teaches me in such interesting ways . . . -Eric McCarl This is what I wrote on the CD insert in Sunset Meditation. It's a story of how I met Tony Sandate, and every word is true. This is Tony's debut CD, and contains 15 songs of solo nylon string guitar. When asked as to what 'style' of music, I can only reply that it's a cross between Spanish, Classical and full of Soul, yet words couldn't come close to how beautiful the music is. The music merely serves as a window into the soul of one of the most incredible artists of our time, Tony Sandate.« less
The ice machine in my refrigerator broke. I called a service technician to fix it. He showed up at my house and began working on the problem while I proceeded to work on my music. When he was finished, he came to my studio (that was in a bedroom no bigger than a closet) to present the bill to me. He noticed that I had an acoustic guitar in the corner. He told me he was a guitar player. I asked him, somewhat cynically, if he?d like to play my guitar. He paused for a moment, looked me in the eyes, answered ?yes? in a whisper, then picked up the guitar, sat on the floor and began to play. From the very first note, all I could think about were the words: Hands of God. I?ve known musicians for most of my 40 + years on this earth, and never had I heard such beautiful music. At that moment I vowed one day I would build a studio, and in this studio there would be a special room. And one day in this special room, this man would sit and play, and I?d record him for all the world to hear, this man who called himself Tony Sandate. Looking back, what I?ve learned is that every one of us has a gift inside: a beautiful, uniquely precious gift to share. When I meet someone, I remember that, and I realize how absolutely beautiful everyone is. God teaches me in such interesting ways . . . -Eric McCarl This is what I wrote on the CD insert in Sunset Meditation. It's a story of how I met Tony Sandate, and every word is true. This is Tony's debut CD, and contains 15 songs of solo nylon string guitar. When asked as to what 'style' of music, I can only reply that it's a cross between Spanish, Classical and full of Soul, yet words couldn't come close to how beautiful the music is. The music merely serves as a window into the soul of one of the most incredible artists of our time, Tony Sandate.
CD Reviews
Outstanding acoustic guitar album
Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire | Minneapolis, MN United States | 05/16/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sunset Meditation features fifteen wonderfully serene solo acoustic guitar instrumental numbers. It's hard to believe that after listening to this CD that a person would not be impressed with Tony Sandate's talent. Sandate has crafted fifteen numbers that all manage to convey a sense of peace and calm, even while he varies the emotional tone of each cut. He also impresses with both his instrumental technique and musical artistry. This is one of those one-in-a-hundred albums that literally stopped me dead in my tracks and caused me to "listen" with all my ears the very first time I put it in my CD player.Whether it's the extremely subtle flamenco embellishments to the opening "Waiting for You," the softly rolling-along feel to "Alba," the sedate and solemn "Dios Y Hombre" (translation: God and Man), the quiet and gentle "Before You Awake" (one of the softest guitar tunes I've ever heard), or the classic new age stylings of the low-key yet beautiful title track, Sandate never falters. He has abundant control of nuance, which he needs in these gentle sound-portraits. His compositions never sound trite or cliché, but always ring true with sincere conviction and subdued passion. What might, on the surface, come across as by-the-numbers, is actually anything but that. Sandate displays deep-rooted commitment to this highly personal musical statement If you can listen to "Song for Andrés" and remain unaffected on every level (and not even appreciate the sorrowful delicate beauty of the piece), you just have no taste whatsoever, sorry to say.There's not a whole lot more to write except that if you have even a moderate liking for the sound of an acoustic guitar (and you don't need a lot of fireworks or histrionics to convince you of a musician's master of the instrument), you should get this CD. After you play it the first time, you can write and thank me for telling you about it. Sunset Meditation is almost assured to be one of my favorite recordings of 2004 and earns my highest recommendation."
Where has he been !!!! Wonderful
S. Reid | 03/31/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Only once in a life time do you stumble upon such talent as
Tony Sandate. I ask anyone who might know, please encourage him to produce some more work. Anyone who buys "Sunset Meditation" will not be disappointed"
Beautiful Melodies: A must have!
Irene Stephens | Lake Forest, CA United States | 03/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tony Sandate's impressive debut CD, 'Sunset Meditation' is an amazing instrumental guitar complilation of beautiful, spiritual, peaceful melodies. From the haunting, unforgettable first song, 'Waiting for You' to the beautiful Latin-style, 'Los Peregrinos', Tony's songs will take you on a journey through the soul. It is a must have for all who want to take time out of the busy schedules to pause and reflect on what is most important in our lives...our hearts."
BEAUTIFUL, Simply beautiful!
narleenkristel | CA United States | 03/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this cd! The melodies are sweet and simply beautiful! for those of you who enjoy instrumental acoustical guitar... you have to get this cd! I highly recommend it!"
Fantastic
Pam R. Bell | oklahoma city, OK | 03/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Where has he been? His sound is magnificent - you can feel his heart with every note. Very soulful. I would/will recommend him to everyone I know.
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1