Amor de Guitarra

Album Review

Amor De Guitarra is Armik's eighth solo recording and his second release for the Bolero record label. As one of the leaders of a movement that has been called flamenco nuevo or "new flamenco," which combines Spanish flamenco guitar with other Latin forms, this program is a true testament to the Western European style of world music. Amor De Guitarra is also one of Armik's most beautiful efforts since it effectively chronicles his respect, love and joy of playing the flamenco guitar on 11 newly composed songs. This passionate recording reflects Armik's world-class mastery of nuance, chord voicings and international rhythms composed and arranged for solo performers. His use of pre-recorded castanets and horn charts as musical pads bring the lively "Fiesta" full circle — giving it the celebratory feeling of Spain. "Midnight Bolero" is an exquisite song, colorized with romantic hues and beautifully played as a ballad. It is so beautiful that one's senses are heightened to the point of true nirvana. "Fragile Hearts" has a lively calypso backbeat that truly enhances Armik's amazing agility and string virtuosity. Overall, this great program is filled with technical brilliance and compositional integrity, and it fills the heart, mind and soul with the joy of beautiful music. Amor De Guitarra speaks of inspired romantic love from the gorgeous cover art to the song titles to the exceptional music that makes up this program. This CD just takes you there and is a must have for the romantic at heart, and for those who enjoy the international flair of flamenco, calypso, tango and bolero rhythms. Top picks: "Amor De Guitarra,""Midnight Bolero," and "Just A Dream."