Customer Reviews

Spin

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

 

 

Let me start off by stating that i sincerely admire the LAGQ. The sound quality of the disc is excellent, the playing is very musical, as usual, great tone, balance, all the normal LAGQ qualities are present. The only facet, and certainly the most relevant one, is the choice of repertoire.
The choices made for this recording are really sub-par, mostly inferior "guitarist" composers (not to say that all guitarist composers are inferior, just most on this cd). The Mendoza work, "Solstice Poem" is particularly worthless and overtly vapid. Upon first listening, i had to force myself to pay attention, after the second variation i couldn't take it anymore and moved on to a different piece. There are really only a handful of decent pieces, namely the Johanson, and some of the York classi-jazz/south american amalgamations are a bit entertaining. I realize that the LAGQ is going in a more pop classical crossover direction, and i have no problems with that, there are just better pieces in this genre than the ones here. In summary: Preview the album before committing to purchase, it may or may not be for you.

I like this album and recommend buying it for people who are into guitar music and modern latin guitar music.

The first thing I can say about the album is that there is A LOT of music on it - 18 tracks - I think it is close to an hour of music. After listening to it several times, I still am not completely familiar with each of the selections and their composers etc...

I must take issue with the criticism of "Solstice Poem" - I find it languid and sad and very melodic. I think that "Solstice" got me interested in the album in the first place. Several of the other pieces are upbeat, rhythmic; one reminds my of a tango, having a neat descending/repeated bass line.

If you are looking for something different and new in classical/guitar music this is worth a try.

Technicly and sonicly, this CD is great, but musically I find it empty. By comparison, the California Guitar Trio is much more interesting.

loved it


musicianship: if you want technical playing and deep meaning....then LAGQ is it

The production quality is good, none of the instruments sound dry.

Fabulous album for music lovers