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REVIEWS OF "MUSIC OF VENEZUELA"
"This is a
first-rate recording both in the clarity and fidelity of the CD
and the brilliance of Marcos Granados’ performance. Accompanied
by a small group of traditional instruments (the cuatro-style
guitar, bass and percussion) supplemented on some tracks with a
trumpet, Granados plays 16 traditional songs, dances, and
traditional pieces from his native country with a zest and drive
that is infectious and beguiling. His technical feats on this
recording are nothing short of astonishing. The richness of his
tone, his rapid finger work on complicated patterns, the
crispness of this articulation and accents, his unflagging
endurance, and his intonation in the extreme high tessitura of
many of these pieces, simply makes your jaw drop. Don’t play
this CD in your car or you are likely to be stopped for speeding
as the spirit of Granados playing takes you along for the ride,
or you may be late for your appointments because you have pulled
over to the side of the road so you could focus on this tour
de force of flute artistry. Bravo Virtuosismo!
Jerry
Pritchard,
Professor of Music
Emeritus
California State University, San Bernardino,
The Flute
Network!
"This album
features one of the most tenacious and inspiring interpretations
of Venezuelan music today. Marco Granados is a true virtuoso who
expresses a broad range of power, life and clarity through his
instrument. In this album, he chose an incredibly challenging
repertoire and a great sample of Venezuelan music from both
traditional and contemporary composers. His execution of the
latter is absolutely impeccable."
Lali Mejia, Venezuelan
Percussionist
"This is a
spectacular CD by virtuoso Marco Granados! Marco plays with such
clarity and rhythmic vitality that I want to start dancing as
soon as I turn it on! I just love the incredible energy and
naturally beautiful musicianship of Marco and his fellow
musicians.
The music of Venezuela is original and highly spirited...
this CD convinces you that this is the way it should be heard!
BRAVISSIMO!!!
Maria Bachmann,
Violin Soloist,
Composer and Chamber Musician
"A true
masterpiece. This brilliant CD will set up new standards for the
performance of the music of Venezuela. Each musician featured is
exceptional, the arrangements are very exciting and the
recording quality is top-notch. On top of everything the
music transmits joy, I've been listening to it non-stop for the
last month. Can't wait for the next one!
Pedro
Giraudo,
Argentinian
Bassist, Composer and Band Leader
"It's very simple
-- listening to Marco never fails to lift my heart. He is the
rare kind of musician who's exuberance and passion are
immediately contagious. To listen to him is to have your face in
bright sunshine -- the very best of music and medicine!"
Lorna McGhee,
Flute Soloist &
Teacher
Former Co-Principal Flute of London's BBC Symphony Orchestra
"This is Marco's
most amazing work so far...and it is absolute not to be missed!! I
am listening to this breathtaking flute playing, and wondering
how to express my enthusiasm...?!
Simply put: this is some of the finest and most inspiring
playing I have ever heard, by any standards. Bravissimo,
Marco!! Thanks for your amazing and stunningly beautiful
contribution!!!!
Anne
Pollack,
Master Flute
Technician and Musician
"As always, a
new CD by Marco Granados is a welcome addition.
Marco's playing
is like a ray of sunshine that always brings a smile to my
face.
This CD is even more special because of the excellent
quality of the recorded sound.
Playing the music of Venezuela
is as natural to Marco as walking and talking and it shows."
Trudy
Kane, Principal Flutist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
"It always cheers
me up to hear Marco play. I have heard him live many times and
where others need mikes, amps, mixers, and all the expensive and
unimpressive noisy paraphernalia,
Marco just plays wonderfully and he sounds as good live as he
does on the CDs. Keep them coming!
Trevor Wye,
Master Flute Teacher and Soloist
"Marco's new CD is
exceptional. He plays with such warmth and enthusiasm and anyone
who hears this CD will want to get up and dance. As a flutist he
knows no boundaries and represents the perfect blend of
artistry, entertainment, and inspiration.
A must for every flutist's library!"
Nicole Esposito,
Flute Professor,
University of Iowa
"Lots of
energy, excellent sound quality, great musicianship and
virtuosity, accompanied by extraordinary Venezuelan
musicians make this CD required reference of our
beautiful Venezuelan music, Bravisimo Marco Granados."
Eddy Marcano,
Venezuelan
Violin Soloist, Conductor and Teacher
Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela
"Your CD is
INCREDIBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The playing and the compositions
are all great !!God Bless You,
John
Patitucci,
Jazz Bass Soloist and Teacher
"This CD is
guaranteed to bring sunshine and smiles into your life.
Marco’s sound is uplifting and brilliant, making you want to
get up and dance to the lively beat. The choice of music
here exposes the unique and beautiful voice of Venezuela and
its young contemporary composers. Highly, highly
recommended!!!
Karen Gomyo,
Violin Soloist and Performer
"It is
evident that Marco's Music of Venezuela is a
production made with great love, care and attention to
detail. It contains an exquisite selection of both
older and contemporary Venezuelan pieces all of which
are excellently executed by an ensemble comprised of
some of today's best musicians in this genre. It has
become a relic in my collection and I'm sure it will
become so in many others' as well.
Edward Simon,
Jazz Pianist and composer
"I LOVE your
CD. I was visiting my sister and we played it and totally
delighted in it...we danced, we marveled at your complex
rhythmic virtuosity, and also at your obvious
joy in the music,
Bravo..."
Paula Robison Flute Soloist
and Teacher
"From the very first sounds I heard of Marco Granados'
new CD, "Music of Venezuela," I knew he'd created
another winning recording! Just like the music on
his previous fabulous CDs, these pieces are as
varied as they are exquisite - from highly energetic to
lushly romantic, from sunnily happy to longingly
melancholic. No matter the style, though, Marco's
absolutely fantastic flute playing comes across both
technically and musically.
He's joined by Un Mundo Ensemble as well as six other
musicians - all of whom are phenomenal."
Helen Spielman
Flutist
& Performance Anxiety Coach"
"Este Album
lleva el virtuosismo de un gran flautista, pintando en cada
canción un paisaje.
Dios te Bendiga"
Edmar
Castaneda,
Colombian Jazz Harpist and Composer
I am listening to your new CD as I write...warmth, sun,
charm, musicality and pure inspiration,
thank you"
Wissam
Boustany,
Lebanese Flute Soloist and Teacher
"I have
already been a fan of Marco Granados for some time and
was eager to listen to this new CD. What a treat! He
seems to combine a wide variety of Venezuelan themes in
a contemporary and fresh way that has world appeal.
Granados' amazing flute playing is always precise, yet
full of soul and feeling. He is accompanied by wonderful
side men too, and this one has stayed in the changer
since I got it. The recording also is very well done and
this CD sounds much better than average. If you like a
bit of South American tradition with a contemporary
sound, interesting themes, and music for any occasion
that has real depth, pick this one.
Robert
Crowley,
President, Crowley & Tripp Microphones
"Marco's new CD is amazing. His flute playing is a
mixture of beautiful sound, perfect technique and
extreme virtuosity. The album consists of carefully
selected Venezuelan music, which is different, powerful
and absolutely joyful. I believe this CD is a-must-have
for a flutist as well as a great treat for everyone else
who likes good music. Compliments go to the
Un Mundo Ensemble as well.
Anja Brglez,
Slovenian Flutist
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