Customer Reviews

Mediterraneo

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is probably the only album I own out of 100 that is mostly if not entirely instrumental. I first heard Marc Antoine on the song "Escape" composed by Jim Brickman. I first listened to the copy of Jim Brickman's album but after the listen I realized Marc Antoine was the best part of that song, so I got his album instead. I was not disappointed by this album (probably the most romantic I own). "Cubanova" is the best track but "Gotham" is pretty incredible too. Great background music to listen to, especially at night.

I was very eager for the release of guitar great Marc Antoine's " Mediterraneo", his first on Dave Koz's label , Rendezvous Entertainment. The album retains Antoine's melodic Spanish flavor while on some tracks he uses horns to mix in a straight jazz sound. Tracks such as "Senor Groove" and "Funky Picante" are up-tempo groove pieces that show off Antoine's incredible picking ability and true musicianship. On other more romantic tracks such as "Lady" and "Alejandro's Lullaby" Antoine gives classic Latin beats dreamy qualities. Overall this album is an amazing fusion of haunting Latin sounds and cool contemporary jazz, and reaffirms Marc Antoine's place as one of the most talented musicians in world/jazz music.

Marc Antoine has once again done a beautiful job making this latest CD Mediterraneo. It's just about the only thing that plays in my car. Listening to it over and over again, I find there is always something I failed to hear the first time. All of the selections are wonderful but if I just had to pick, I'd say "Lady", Mediterraneo, Gringo, Funky Picante, Oh, forget it, I can't choose, every cut is MARVELOUS!!!! This music makes you wanna MOVE!!!! Thanks Marc, keep up the good work. A Loyal Fan.

I can only agree with the other reviews. I have had this playing in my car constantly (along with Ken Navarro's latest) and it's gets better and better with each listening. Nice chord changes, a good mix of styles.

Marc is on a roll! Here he returns to take his listeners on yet another multi-faceted, all-encompassing musical adventure! He runs the gammut on his trademark guitar styles, sounds, and exotic flavors - all blended to perfection. This is prime Marc Antoine! The featured sounds on this CD are Spanish flamenco guitar, hip-hop, cool jazz grooves, exotic Afro-jazz, and worldbeat, with a few classical textures. Marc even delivers a little refined 'gothic' flair on "Gotham". He truly is gifted as the versatile guitarist that he is, creator of original sonic soundscapes that transport the listener to exotic locations. His "Mediterraneo" is undoubtedly another chart-topping album and, as always, it's a fabulous 'work of heart'! This is an intimate jazz excursion that will ignite your senses! It's so cool, it sizzles! Thank-you, Dave Koz, for your excellent musical sensibility, presentation, and collaboration on this excellent CD! You are both providing fans with "la creme de la creme" on this one!

I have listened to Marc's music over the years and this guy just gets it!.. I often listen to his music at work and on the way home after a stressful day. His music takes my mind to thoughts and memories of my peaceful vacations on the beach etc. If you like hearing the spanish guitar this will please your ears.

Bottom-Line: From the opening track to the last, I enjoyed "Mediterraneo" immensely.

French born Contemporary Jazz artist Marc Antoine, who now resides in Madrid and Los Angles, compares listening to music like reading a book: "You tell a story, people go home and read the story and you travel with the story. The book is like music and vice versa," he has stated. And his latest CD "Mediterraneo" reflects this philosophy, and renews Antoine's commitment to span the globe looking for music that speaks in a wonderful harmonic dialect.

With "Mediterraneo," Antoine's seventh album, the guitarist provides the listener with a jazzy respite tucked neatly into the saucy vibes of the flamingo guitar I have grown to love so well, far afield from the decidedly slower flavor of Cruisin'.

Once again Antoine fuses classical musical flavors with droplets of hip-hop, smooth Jazz inspired grooves, and a smattering of traditional jazz woodwinds just to keep it interesting. Antoine gets help this time around from a cadre of guest musicians including: percussionist Luis Conte, trumpeter Lulo Perez, bassist Jimmy Haslip, keyboardist Frederic Gaillardet, as well as vocalists Michael Mishaw, Samantha Murphy (track No. 9 Lady), and Rebeca Vega. "Mediterraneo" is Antoine first release under Dave Koz's label, Rendezvous Entertainment; and indeed Koz served as Executive Producer on the CD.

Antoine opens "Mediterraneo" with Cubanova, and upbeat rhythm track that mixes traditional Latin samba beats with soothing guitar licks. The result is an engaging piece that is guaranteed to put anyone in the mood for a party. And if your spirits are low, this track will definitely bring them up.

As will track No. 6 the funky Afromenco, which deftly fuses Latin rhythms with Smooth Jazz and dare I say a bit of traditional Jazz in the form of harmonizing horns that marries the best of several musical worlds. The track is vibrant, saucy, danceable, and sets the tone for the rest of the music on this very uplifting and enjoyable CD.

But Antoine saved the best for last in the guise of track No. Alejandro's Lullaby, a lilting soul guitar piece that stirs the soul. The track is just 2:39, but the musical impression will last much longer so beautiful and pure are the guitar licks, so wonderfully evocative is the feeling they engender in the soul.

All and all "Mediterraneo" is another hit for Marc Antoine. From the opening track to the last, I enjoyed the CD immensely. Where Cruisin' was laid back and rather boring, "Mediterraneo" is upbeat, exciting and fun to listen to; indeed the album is one of his best to date.

Marc Antoine is a pretty good guitarist; pretty much on the same line as the Flamenco/Spanish guitar; with a very fine dosage of Jazz, making this a very interesting Rumba Jazz CD.

Antoine is a very special gifted musician. Album has a a great mixture of latin and contemporary music and is not overly produced. A really great album to seriously listen to...or for background music while dining.

Where have I been, this is my 1st Marc Antoine CD!!! The songs were Upbeat & Slow, Smooth, Sexy, Romantic, Jazzy, Funky, Groovy, with its Latin Spanish guitar Flair, LOVED IT!!! You can definitely listen to this CD, in a romantic, intimate setting, while driving, sitting back while watching the sunset and even as background music during a dinner gathering/party.

My favorites; Love; Lady (upbeat sexy jazz), Mediterraneo (jazzy Spanish flair) and Castellana Hood & Gotham ((love both with its slow sexy groove). Really enjoyed; Cubanova (upbeat, smooth & sexy), Funky Picante (love the Latin flair), Afromenco & Senor Groove (both with a jazzy funky groove) and Preludio. I thought Gringo and Alejandro's Lullaby were just okay.

I think Marc Antoine is a very talented guitarist with his own individual Spanish Latin Jazz flair. It didn't matter to me if the songs faded or had an ending it all sounded good, I will definitely purchase more of Marc Antoine's CDs.