Laurel Zucker, flute; Christopher Caliendo, guitar
Artist, publisher, composer Christopher Caliendo teams up with virtuoso classical flute player Laurel Zucker for this powerful and exciting CD of world music.
Through all thirteen tracks we have complex guitar rhythms and passionately graceful flute playing, opening with "Sincerita," a flashing flute to a Flamenco style. "Caliente!" is a samba with attitude and "Amor Perdido" sad and pure, Laurel's flute cutting the still air with a deep-felt emotion to the very last note.
"Risorgimento" is a fandango with more passion, and "Coraggio" a tango with complex guitar rhythms that hold all the forbidden qualities of the dance-loving, sharp, dark and moody.
"Rinascimento" is a perfect example of world music, incorporating just about a segment of everything: Spanish folk, American Jazz, South American classical, Argentine milonga, and Tin Pan Alley.
"Remembranza" has a furiously complex guitar rhythm coupled to a dashing flute. "Contigo" offers a bolero with a dark and haunting melodic line. The final track is "Meditazione," a love song that is lilting, sweet, and classical.
Caliendo composes with flare, and Zucker rises to it. There is a powerful life force in their playing; it is transporting, soaring and open. If you have a love for the guitar and flute, this is irresistible.
By Ferdinand Maylin