Seven Boats, Music for Two Guitar

Goran Ivanovic | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 27, 2004)
• Original Release Date: April 27, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Proteus Entertainment
• ASIN: B0001Z3U2E
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #303,642 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

In the spirit of many early chamber or contemporary acoustic jazz guitar duos, Goran Ivanovic and Fareed Haque, both hailing from Chicago, have an extraordinary empathy and keen listening skills playing off one another, and allowing space to play solo. That's what you hear on this fully realized CD of original musics that borrow from their native Serbian, Croatian, Pakistani, and Chilean heritages, with a substantial European classical feel, Spanish and French components, and good old American jazz improvisation. Throughout this delightful program, they are quick to respond to each other's whims and fancies, but never get in the way. The democracy these two show for their different styles, and the clear respect, is more remarkable than the music itself. Not that there isn't some wondrous playing, but in concert these two eclipse the restrictions of a studio or CD. Of the solos, Ivanovic plays "Three Waltzes" pastoral, pretty, and restrained; a sped-up animated "Evocation"; a Bill Evans-influenced "Jazz"; and a modal 4/4 "Toccata." Haque takes his turn in a somber "Neverending," introspective "Manresa," and chamber/Baroque "Fantasia in D." While some of the twin-guitar cuts like "Topansko Oro" are melodic and measured, and the two-part "Zadji Zadji" is completely peaceful, there are others that cut loose. "Chase" is a very hot pyrotechnical romp, "Gypsy Circus" perfectly depicts its title, and "Wall of the White City" reflects their most immediate and telling influence, the music of the My Goal's Beyond style of John McLaughlin. Interestingly enough, only on "Chase" do they invoke the speed-demon testosterone-driven force of the McLaughlin-Paco de Luc a-Al di Meola trio. And for pure Mediterranean style, the title track is their signature piece, not surprisingly in beats of seven. Unlike their predecessors, Ivanovic and Haque demonstrate how restraint and good taste make better, more enduring music, and excepting the longstanding duo of Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah, nobody is inventing refrains with such far-ranging global implications that are complete, and so very well executed, as these two. This is one for your wish list. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Journey, March 10, 2006

By 

J. Pate "Global Gal" (Oak Park, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seven Boats, Music for Two Guitar (Audio CD)

I worked in the Balkans off and on for more than 5 years, and actually lived in a portion of the former Yugoslavia doing humanitarian work for five months last year. Balkan music facinates me, so when I heard my local NPR station preview an upcoming segment featuring a musician with the surname of Ivanovic I knew I had to pay close attention. What I heard on that short segment moved me to immediately find his CD and order it. I have listened to almost nothing else since it arrived. The guitar work is powerful yet elegant, the pieces diverse while connected by a musical thread of the Balkan reality. When I hear the music is takes me back to so many of the deeply mystical and spiritual aspects of Balkan life, but the offerings are simultaneously fresh and vibrant. This is music in which to lose one's self -- to think, to reflect, and to dream. I hope to see Ivanovic perform in person, and I intend to collect as much of his recorded music as possible.

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Amazing, July 24, 2005

By 

Christopher Taylor Rorrer - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Seven Boats, Music for Two Guitar (Audio CD)

This is an album that I listen to on a regular basis. The musicianship on this album speaks for itself. The music contained on this album can and will put you in a very relaxed mood. This is great and beautiful music by two of the most talented guitarist on the planet.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful music, July 7, 2004

By 

Musician and reader (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seven Boats, Music for Two Guitar (Audio CD)

Few things can be described as beautiful, but this CD defines the word. Each melody pulses with life and feeling. Listening to this CD, I fall into a kind of dream world.
Compared to their other CD, it's just as intense, but the arrangements are more complex. It doesn't get quite as crazy as Macedonian Blues, but I am still surprised by the originality and beauty each time I hear it.