No big productions here. Just a guitar, either all by its lonesome, or along with a vocalist. Nowhere to hide, except behind talent and taste.
Jason Vieaux plays classical guitar here with a wide ranging collection of material ranging from flamenco to samba to jazz. Wonderful technique with passion is found on “Jongo” and “El Colibria” while he shows a deft hat at bossa nova on “Felicidade” . Iberian moods are evoked on romantic pieces such as “Danza Caracteristica” and”Sunburst” while delicate delights are tasted on “’Cavatina’ From the Deer Hunter.” He shows creativity with a fragrant read of Ellington’s “In A Sentimental Mood” displaying an ecumenical approach to his strings and world view. Bravo!
Vocalist Judy Philbin has a cheerful girl-next-door voice and mixes cheerful nostalgia with cozy sentimental swing with guitarist Adam Levine as a swinging accompanist. A gypsy delight is felt on “Django’s Delight” while Philbin shows moxie with a hip take of “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.” A sensuous take of “Besame Mucho” and a luminous “Skylark” make you feel like you’re watching a cabaret, while modern folk sounds come out on Philbin’s own “Keeping It Simple” and “ Don’t Be Easy On Me.” As refreshingly homey as a pink lemondade
Azica Records
Human Nation Records