| Andalucia |
| Lloyd Barde, Backroads Music 2005 |
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It is not often that understated and dazzling are used in the same review for a guitarist of this talent and magnitude, but they both apply on "Andalucia". At once a classical virtuoso, ambient visionary and pop musician of great warmth, passion and feelings, Brent Gunter enchants with compositions flowing effortlessly from his nylon strings, and he is skillfully accompanied by keyboards, bass, and an array of percussion instruments, many of which he plays himself. His music is beautiful, accessible and soft in spite of its often fiery flair. The occasional gypsy references and passionate, precision-packed rhythm section adds up to dream-like visions and fantasy-laden romantic themes which are nicely offset by the fast-paced flourishes blazing from Gunter's well-tempered guitar. Modern and well polished, filled with contemporary arrangements and even a bit jazzy in parts, it retains all the freshness and soul of a musical language spoken through acoustic guitar. While occasional melancholy and pathos pull on the sensitive heartstrings of the listener, this music is brimming with life, joy and happiness. Comparisons to Jesse Cook, Craig Chaquico, Govi and surely Ottmar Liebert will surely surface but Gunter displays his own artistry all the way. A fresh instrumental voice in a crowded musical arena where it's most needed, Brent's elegant guitar virtuosity moves from meticulous to free flowing, as he freely changes gears, directions and tempos as his deep well of talented playing dictates.
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