Hi-Lo Split

Marc Antoine

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 24, 2007)
• Original Release Date: July 24, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Peak Records
• ASIN: B000R7I37S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #72,164 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Guitarist Marc Antoine is a native of France and "Hi-Lo Split," his first album for the Concord-distributed Peak label, was recorded in Spain, where he currently lives. But notwithstanding his European and Latin influences (the latter of which is winningly exposed on "Bossalectro"), his primary interest is sleek American-style smooth jazz. Antoine is a graceful player with a glowing tone on nylon strings, and percussive effects give the music a welcome edge. He also takes chances, as on a re-harmonization of the old Classics IV hit, "Spooky." But there are also unfortunate bland stretches. Fans, take note: Antoine's "Groovin' High" is not the song by that name that Dizzy Gillespie made famous. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eclectic and groovy., July 26, 2007

By	Line of beauty in jazz (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews

With this new album we once again find the gifted guitarist Marc Antoine blending flamenco and Latin jazz styles with equal grace and aplomb, exploring new possibilities that solo playing allows.
Antoine, who lives in Spain, used mostly local musicians for this CD, named the CD "Hi-Lo Split" for a style of poker that he learned from a group of American friends who had a regular poker night.
It is a unique set, with new compositions and his cover of one favourite 40 years old hit , "Spooky", which blends his classical training with a multi-cultural urban rhythms.
The result is an eclectic, funky album that has many interesting moments from the opening delicate track "For a Smle", inspired by his son, to the stirring title track and "Bossalectro", Marc's hommage to bossa nova inventor Joao Gilberto.
"Hi-Lo Split" , his eighth full length release ( his first for Peak Records) is a lovely listen that is ideal for that 'one special night'.
Just sit back and let the music wash away the worries of the day.
Recommended, and not just one for guitar buffs.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smoothjazz.com Review, July 26, 2007

By	Sandy Shore (Monterey, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been a big fan of Marc Antoine's signature Latin-funk guitar work since I first heard his debut disc, "Classical Soul," in 1994. Needless to say, I've been looking forward to his newest release, HI-LO SPLIT. I just got my preview copy, and I'm thrilled to say that it's another outstanding collection of music from one of the true superstars of today's Smooth Jazz. Marc's signature nylon and steel sound is enhanced this time by the Mediterranean ambience of his home in Madrid. He recorded this disc there (in his Frogland Studio), brought his friend and longtime keyboardist Frederic Gaillardet in from Paris for the project, used bassist and Cameroon native Andre Mange, and imported Luis Conte's percussion parts electronically from L.A.; he then added the sizzle of a local Spanish horn section to both the title track (the first radio single) and the fiery, tropical-flavored "Groovin' High." The result of this sun-kissed Mediterranean chemistry is a delightfully organic sound, with an unmistakable R&B twist to many of the tunes. In addition to "Hi-Lo Split and "Groovin' High," I really like the lush "For a Smile," inspired by his son Alejandro, and Marc's salute to Joao Gilberto, "Bossalectro." As for the album's title... it's inspired by his newly developed fascination with the game of poker, where a HI-LO SPLIT means the person with the highest and lowest hand wins. HI-LO SPLIT is classic Marc Antoine, with a fresh new slant, and I'm absolutely loving it. This one gets five stars! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Marc returns to his roots..., August 22, 2007

By	Bravissimo - See all my reviews

Those of you that have heard Marc's last CD, Modern Times, no one knew what to expect with this release. Would Marc continue with heavy sampling, rapping and funky drum beats?
Not at all! Marc returns to the sound that made him famous. This CD is more like "Madrid", with a more laid back, lounge-like feel.
Marc shows again why he is a great guitarist, melodic riffs and beautifully phrased guitar solos. Just listen to the title track, "Hi-Lo Split", and you'll know what I mean.
A thoroughly enjoyable album to sit back, relax, and even dance to. I am looking forward to when he tours the U.S. in the coming year. He's even better live !