|
Tania Lukic-Marx now gives the CD reviews a rating
system. This system includes a number of stars at the completion
of the review, for example 5 stars (*****) means the CD was "brilliant"
or "excellent", 4 stars = impressive, 3 stars = good,
2 stars = satisfactory and 1 star = didn't impress.
|
|
I thought it would be nice to finish off this year on a "lighter note",
and for this week's review I have chosen a recording (cassette) entitled
"Accordion Internationale" by John Bonica.
Instead of me describing the content of this recording, I thought I would
use John's own description, as it is very to the point:
"John Bonica and his "MIDI" terranean Quintet visit Europe
and the Continent sampling the many flavors of folk music using his acoustic
accordions to blend with a background of authentic instrumentation in order
to capture the ambience and style of each country. From the pulsing excitement
of Russian Balalaika's in the land of Zhivago, to the wild bazouki's of
Zorba's Greece, the accordions in turn conjure memories of Germany, Switzerland,
France, Finland and the bull fights of Spain. From the haunting Sicilian
Godfather's Theme, we have a final stop in romantic Italy with its immortal
love song Anema E Core. In reality, however, the entire album was recorded
and digitally mastered in my bedroom studio at home using only Petosa AM
1100 Midi 2000 and musette tuned Petosa AM1100 acoustic accordion."
To sum up my impression of this recording, I would say: it is simply very
nice. John Bonica plays with a pleasant, smooth style and at the same time
it is such crisp playing, altogether making it a most enjoyable music entertainment
experience. John's knowledge and use of the MIDI accordion, choice of timbres
and tone colors is skilful as well - it actually does leave an impression
that there is a whole band playing.
In brief: this whole recording is easy listening, 'peoples' music, played
in a nice, pleasant manner with a lot of style. For what it is, it is very
well done *****
|
