Music of Venezuela, Official website for Venezuelan Flutist Marco Granados

 


"Mr. Granados piped with a sweet dexterity"
                                                          The New York Times

Marco Granados wins Best Latin Flute Player of the Year Award
at the Latin Jazz Corner Website

Soundbrush Records Signs Venezuelan Flutist Marco Granados

"Pa' Oriente Compay"

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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