Customer Reviews

Espirito

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sharpen your global IQ with ESPIRITO, the second solo masterpiece from guitar virtuoso Lawson Rollins. Expounding on the vision from his INFINITA debut, Rollins teams up once again with Shahin Shahida and Dominic Camardella as co-producers. ESPIRITO is an adventurous amalgam of musical cultures. The strength of this project is rooted in its ability to engage the listener by skipping across borders and continents like stepping-stones. Having been blown away by its initial spin, it was on subsequent visits where I found the vibrant playfulness of Lawson's musical mastery truly revealed... "Moonlight Samba," the first Smooth radio single, features vocal ad-libs from Brazil's Flora Purim. Love the western twist of "Blue Mountain Bolero"... and "Footprints" is a dreamy number that leaves you quiet and centered. With today's skyrocketing airfares and fees and now even more security, leave the tarmac behind and take a journey with ESPIRITO. The world is yours... no passport required - just your music player! ~BROOKS WALKER

Lawson Rollins is truly a gifted guitar player. This album really lets him express his talents. All the tracs were thoughtful and well done. Great vocals besides.

You know this music. Purely instumental, with the flamenco style pushed around with fabulous playing and layers upon layers of facinating craftmanship.
It seems it would be difficult to specifically tell you in words the difference between great and exceptional in this genre of music. There is perfection and then it goes a bit further. Something grabs you, and the CD goes around and around... the time spins away and you go back to it. Great summer pool / dinner party music.

Saw Lawson's video on Youtube and had to buy the music. Amazing technique and an enjoyable album.

Having enjoyed Rollins' last album "Infinita" immensely, I immediately purchased "Espirito" when it came out. Rollins has managed to exceed "Infinita" with this new release, which is hard to believe. Each tune is a stunning display of compositional grace and supreme musical mastery on the part of both Rollins and all the many other musicians showcased so generously throughout the album. The abundantly diverse instrumentation gives this album a variety of sound that sets it apart. Greater and greater pleasures and subtleties emerge on repeated listenings, which is always the hallmark of a classic album.

This album is truly epic in scope and majestic in its use of musicians and singers from around the world. The guitar work of Lawson Rollins keeps it all cohesively grounded in his signature style, known to millions around the world. Highly recommended for any fan of the guitar, Latin jazz, World music, or anyone who appreciates music of the highest quality. Each track offers a rich palette of sound, but the sum total of all 13 songs is truly an overwhelming experience. 5 stars!

Full disclosure: I am a friend of the artist. But I am also a fan. In this CD he takes the world influences to a new level and creates a sophisticated setting for his accomplished guitar falsettas. Although he excels at speed and precision, I am particularly partial to the moodier and more haunting tracks such as Shadowland.

Lawson Rollins' latest album, Espirito, features his amazing technique and knowledge of jazz and world music. Can't get enough!