Customer Reviews

Guitarra Del Fuego

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

 

 

I am a long-time fan of nouveau flamenco, ever since I first heard Strunz and Farah's Primal Magic on the radio while driving through Austin. I even stopped to call the radio station to find out who they were. Recently, I was in Borders Books and heard the strains of Guitarra del Fuego wafting throughout the store. It sounded so much like something Strunz and Farah would do, I went to the counter where the CD was on to inquire about their new album. The clerk handed me the jewel box and to my surprise it was not Strunz and Farah, but Johannes Linstead of whom I had never heard. I blanched at the price, but stuck around to listen to the rest of the CD, and resolved to order it here immediately upon returning home (at a MUCH better price).
Now that I have listened to it a half-dozen times, I have but one word for it:enchanting. There is not a weak song on Guitarra del Fuego. Every one, whether slow and melancholy or uptempo and uplifting, is eminently listenable and with no hard edges, is perfect for the office. That doesn't mean that it is saccharine or bland, on the contrary. Linstead is a virtuoso guitarist who moves effortlessly from laid-back rhythms to furious flamenco attack. One can detect in his music influences not just from the gypsies, but from Spanish and Moorish cadences.
I don't have a favorite cut as I like the entire CD. Strunz and Farah, Lara and Reyes, Ottmar Liebert and now, Johannes Linstead. The flamenco machine is rolling on...

Never heard of Johannes, but i am into beautifully struck, composed and melodious guitarras. Tried out "GdF" and I just hafta have it. That's a pretty blazin' and amazing album. Very Nice music! I'll have the world know that my 5-yr old daughter (then) insist i play Track#2 "Mango" every morning when i drive her to kindergarten! No joke, Johannes' music appeals to my little darling too. Way Cool! Thank you, Johannes, I simply adore your hand-crafted music from your famed Pedro Maldonado guitarra. Hope your latest offering released yesterday (ZABUCA) will bowl me and my (now six) daughter all over again.

I discovered this man's work in a trendy restaurant in Mexico. A rather talented guitar player stated about Linstead's magnificent picks and melodies, "You just don't pick up a guitar and do that. It takes practice and discipline." There are moments of sheer brilliance in this CD and in all of Linstead's work. (I highly recommend Sol Luna Tierra). This is flamenco. It is guitar based, with a backdrop of native drums and bass. It is Latin. If you want some thing new, with a degree of talent rarely found in popular music, something that will make you get up and dance, as well as gasp and cry, this is it.

Wow, this CD was excellent. Never heard of this artist until this week. Sampled his music in Borders Book shop. It's not often I will listen to all previewed tracks. I was hooked on this.
The tracks were exciting, fresh and vibrant. I haven't stopped playing this music for days now. It gives of such powerful emotions and truly leaves you feeling wonderful. It's a must for everyones music collection.

I really really enjoyed Lindstead's Sol Luna y Tierra so I ordered Guitarra del Fuego. I also liked this one very much especially now that I have a new sound system in my car. What a difference. His guitar playing comes to life as if he is in the back seat playing only for me while I drive (he is kind of cute too). His music gets me through the freeways of Los Angeles in a much calmer mood, I have reduced the road rage feelings by a good 80%--people have to be doing something VERY stupid for me to get "road-ragey" and finally I must yell something (inside my car). So yeah, Johannes is great and I love it! My friend liked it too and asked me to burn him a CD but I said buy your f... own.

This album's music is well arranged, with a seductive blend of Spanish guitar and violin. I've enjoyed every track, and have recommended his music to my music loving friends!!!

I don't really have any comments about the technical merit of the music. All I can say is that this is one of my favorite albums on my iPod, in my car, or at home on my computer. The violin is wonderfully integrated. I bought this album on a whim after reading other reviews and seeing it was only 6.99 in the MP3 store. I'm happy to say that I have gotten hours of enjoyment out of this meager investment. Definitely buy it if you're looking for non-intrusive chill out music.

I can honestly say I love every song on this album. Its amazing.