Michaud, Tomas - New World Flamenco Jazz


Year of Release: 2003
Label: Starland Music
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 58:26:00

New World Flamenco Jazz ? it certainly is a thought provoking way to describe your music. Tomas Michaud is a masterful guitar player on 12 Latin jazz compositions that you will enjoy on his latest release. You may not have heard of his name mentioned in the same sentence as world-renowned artists such as Al Di Meola or Airto, although I see no reason why that is not a possibility in the near future based on what I just heard. Michaud will get the respect of his peers due to his outstanding artisanship and the technical expertise that he commands with his acoustic guitar.

I now understand after several listens why he chose the title of the album. The new world aspect comes into play with the modern sounds of the various keyboards and saxophones implemented to give it that very character and worldly flavor. In many instances when a soloist plays flamenco guitar, that is the only instrument that you hear, while Michaud could easily perform in that context, he prefers to use the many tools and instruments at his disposal for a fruitful full sound that pulls the listener in without ever letting go. Admittedly, I have a penchant for Latino jazz and feel a certain kinship and connection to the genre and the culture, which I really have no explanation as to why except that I know it makes me feel so good when I listen to it.

Michaud has a superior supporting cast that enables him to weave his magical chords from his guitar faultlessly with all the other instruments, blending effortlessly into each composition, therefore making this entire recording an experience for a truly worldly audience to enjoy. I thought of beautiful sunsets, long walks on warm sandy beaches and the romanticism and story that this music created at all times while listening, totally spellbound. So much becomes a reality because one man decides to pick up a guitar; it is just beyond my comprehension.


Tracklisting:
Seville (5:31) / French Kiss (4:36) / Moroccan Lullaby (4:53) / Whispers Of Paradise (4:56) / No Reason Why (5:16) / Beautiful Little Moment (4:45) / Awakened By An Angel (4:03) / La Vida Maravillosa (5:07) / Winds Of Time (4:35) / Hoping And Wishing (4:56) / Eyes Like The Moon And Stars (5:12) / Voodoo Love (4:18)

Musicians:
Tomas Michaud - flamenco guitar
Obie Butterworth - flamenco guitar
Don Turney - keyboards, Yamaha DiskClavier & Hammond B3
Phil Thompson - drums
David Margen - bass
Brian Rice - percussion
Wayne Ledbetter - soprano and tenor saxes
Michaelle Goerlitz - additional percussion

Discography:
Heart Coming Home (1996)
Passion Dance (2000)
I Must Be Dreaming (2001/2003)
In the Presence of Angels (2003)
New World Flamenco Jazz (2003)

Genre: Other

Origin US

Added: January 27th 2004
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website: www.worldmelodies.com
Hits: 2228
Language: english

  

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