Search - Aqua Velvets :: Guitar Noir

Stylish, Suave theme tracks for Private Investigators

peterfromkanata | 07/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of course, the cover art is striking. Palm trees framing a cat's eye moon over the golden gate bridge. A view only obtainable from Treasure Island. Its easy to forget that San Franscisco was the home of Sam Spade--a place where Vertigo could be made--Mort Sahl could tell topical jokes between jazz sets, or people would pass around a jug of wine at a poetry reading. This music has all the ambience of the cool, old, San Fransciso of pulp detective novels, beats and cool jazz. I absolutely totally do not understand the remarks of those reviewers who were disappointed in this cd. Comparisons with previous Aqua Velvets releases is unfair. This collection of tunes stands on its own merits. Those you you who don't get it--read the Maltese Falcon or The Big Sleep while you listen--it will start to make more sense to you."

Tasty mood music.

peterfromkanata | Kanata, Ontario Canada | 08/23/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Another beautiful-sounding guitar instrumental disc from the "Aquas". This one is fairly laid back, and didn't knock me out like "Nomad", but I think it's one of those discs that will "grow" on me. I think "Day in the Life of a Private Eye" summarizes the concept here--"Guitar Noir" could be good music for "Film Noir".
As a Shadows fan for over 40 years, I can see their influence at work here--clean, distinctive, melodic playing--if Miles Corbin isn't a Hank Marvin disciple, I would be very surprised.
Nice one !"