Customer Reviews

Diary

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If Torcuato Mariano's previous CD, Last Look, had been vinyl, I would have gone through a couple of copies by now. The 1995 CD has been a several-times weekly, if not daily, pleasure for driving, listening and working. I waited patiently for this new release, then had to wait a couple of days extra as my record store tried to locate the one copy they had in stock (apparently the only copy in town). I've had a couple of days to listen and have found much to enjoy. The first track 'May' is a pleasant medium tempo song with sitar featured during the verse and interesting chord changes in the chorus. The song also features the wordless singing that was present all over 'Last Look'. 'Blue Bossa' follows, with some very nice acoustic piano work and two percussionists on hand. 'Paula' has a strong synth presence in the rhythm track, and the title track 'Diary' took me back immediately to the previous CD's 'Everything I Couldn't Say With Words', which is to say I enjoyed it immensely. 'The Mission' is almost meditative, with nice work on fretless bass and strings. 'High Frequency' has a nice chorus reminiscent of 'A Very Special Place' (from Last Look). I'll mention one other track, 'Ship'. It has a techno feel with drum loops and reminded me a bit of Marc Antoine (the acoustic guitar) and Wes Montgomery (during the electric solo). Although I've only had the time for a couple of run-throughs, I have no doubt this will be, in time, as treasured as Last Look.

I've only heard the first 6 tracks but just based on those, I'm quite impressed with this latest release after a 10-year absence. In fact, the very best track I've heard on here so far, the title track, "Diary" sounds like it could have been recorded during the same sessions as "Last Look" (that's a good thing). It's an excellent piece of work. On the other hand, with this album it sounds like Mariano has mellowed out a bit more and this work may not stand out on Smooth Jazz radio formats quite as distinctively as did "Last Look" but to be fair I haven't heard the whole album and I feel confident this new CD will get a lot of repetition as it's magic grows on me. Sounds like an excellent CD to lie on the beach and listen to with the headset on. Welcome back, Torcuato - hearing these songs is like the return of an old friend!

From the first track to the last, you get your money's worth in pure smooth latin jazz! Buy a copy for your best friend! ;-)

Put this CD at the front of your collection great jazz music. Last Look was my favorite CD, Turcuato truly with Diary.... This CD truly rises the bar on great jazz compliations.... In a perfect world, Torcuato and Peter White would be a great duo touring together. Man, what it guitar experience! ...If you love Peter White, Torcuato will bring it home!

I have been a huge fan of Torcuato Mariano for years. I'd have to say he is my favorite guitar player. The long wait for his 3rd CD was well worth the wait. First "Paradise Station" was my favorite CD only to be bumped by "Last Look". Now I can safely say this is my favorite CD. TM knows exactly how to incorporate the subtle Brazilian jazz sounds I have come to love. Never are there blaring horns or un-tasteful instruments taking over a song. If you like great Brazilian style jazz, this CD is a must. Of course his other two are as well. Enjoy!

I saw this artist perform in Chicago June 9th at Cafe Luciano's. He was so smooth. I bought his CD Diary there and played it on the way home. If you like acoustic guitar, you're in for a really, really nice treat.

After listening to Last Look since 1995 and Diary countless times I cannot make up my mind which is better, both are exceptional smooth jazz works that I listen to over and over again. Diary has been a very worth while wait since Last Look released in 1995 (why such a long break in between is puzzling), superb guitar with a lovely mix of sitar, accordion, keyboards and percussion. While all the tracks are really superb, May, Diary, Marianna, A Letter For You and Where Love Will Take are incredible works.

I heard a few of the songs on this album on an online music station, and was hooked. "Diary,""A Letter for You," and "Where Love Will Take" are a soundtrack for any moment when you want to savor a private memory. Torcuato's music stops short of being "smoov jazz," while providing a jazzy feel that doesn't take itself too seriously. Perfect for a long drive or a walk alone.

While trying to understand the high price of this CD, I have to admit it is fantastic from beginning to end.....worth the price. If not listening to, humming in my head...great music!

For me, the nex guitarist not in order of importante, I mean, in terms of sensibility, virtuosism and entire domain of the axe, beside Oscar Castro Neves, Toninho Horta or ricardo Silveira and Nelson Faría, is obviously TORCUATO MARIANO.
His music and harmonies are so far in the top of perfection; great balance between music, technique and presence. But the only way to understand what I am trying to say is to hear his first two productions: "another look" and "paradise station".
My intents of explanation about what I feel about the Torcuato's music are not enough. I am sorry, got no words.
We have to stop listening pseudo brasileiros like.....well, we all know who they are.
Just listen and feel TORCUATO MARIANO. No more to say.

RODOLFO GONZALEZ