Customer Reviews

Last Romantic

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

 

 

This wonderful, soothing album is a quiet masterpiece, and is almost certainly Artie Traum's best guitar album. It seamlessly blends jazz, folk, Brazilian, and many other guitar styles, keeping the rhythms of the songs varied and interesting but never too busy. The tones of the guitars are warm and beautiful, and the flawless sound and production make it sound like he's playing in your living room.

This album can be enjoyed on different levels: you can play it softly in the background to set the mood of a quiet evening, or you can turn the volume way up and revel in the richness of this music. If you're open to the beauty of instrumental acoustic guitar music, I really can't recommend this one highly enough.

I wish I had one of those red Miatas with a killer sound system, and 2000 miles of open road. I'd pack some sunscreen, this CD - set on "repeat" - and just drive. No particular destination - just the pleasure of moving through space - winding coastal roads, redwoods, farmlands, desert, the boulevards of Beverly Hills or maybe Miami; this album is aural heaven. Artie Traum is one of the most versatile guitarists in the country - and in the course of his own travels from folkie fingerpicker (where he set the standard for those who tried to teach me) to jazz riffs that leave his listeners asking "how'd he do that?" - it's no wonder he's one of the "showcase" artists for Taylor Guitars. Inventive progressions that feel like home. Effortless, confident, and radical rides - surrounded by some of the best sidemen (Tony Levin on bass, for one) that 30 years of experience can command. This is one of those albums that work in all environments. You can safely recommend it to all but your head-bangingest friends. Put it on at a dinner party, and people will ask you who it is. You'll say, "Oh, that's Artie Traum," and you'll feel very, very cool.

Artie is a great guitarist and this CD is a fine exhibit of his beautiful playing styles.