Both of these albums are so similar in concept, and equally enthralling that I couldn’t separate them. They are at a photo finish for essentials for the week…
Guitarists Carlos Jimenez and Michel Heroux deliver a series of duets on their own compositions. They keep the sounds varied by mixing and matching classical with gentle electric guitars, sometime a pair of each or both together. The two dance delightfully on the nylons during the samba “Atraves do Tempo
and create an intimate conversation on “Bobby.” There are soft and sweet strums on “No Title Yet” and form rich drapery on “Satori.” When plugging in, there is a dreamy impressionism of “Waltz For Kenny” and an attractive tensile strength during “Azul,” with the strings slinking together on the cozy “Blues For Jim.” Dreamy wonders.
Pianist Michel Camilo and flamenco guitarist Tomatito are no strangers, having collaborated in the past on occasion. This one is a romantic dance floor mood of suave and rich moods. The two deliver Left Bank Bohemia as Tomatito bends the strings on “Nuages” while a rich flair is flung on “Manha De Carnaval.” Rich and ebullient longing is felt during the interplay on “Gnossienne” as if you’re overhearing a heartfelt conversations, while dramatic flips of the wrists captivate on “Oblivion.” Both strings and ivory glow on “Agua e Vinho” with grace abounding on “Armando’s Rhumba.” Moods, scents, flavors and pulses both implied and delivered like an unforgettable meal.