Search - Esteban :: All My Love

Easy listening music, solid entertainer, NOT guitar virtuoso

J. Duncan | New York, NY United States | 10/06/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Let's be honest about what Esteban is and what he isn't.



His many critics don't give him credit for making popular spanish-influenced acoustic guitar music that's accessible to the masses, helping to revitalize interest in this instrument.



He's also done an excellent job of creating an image/identity, which is just as much his commercial appeal as the music. Something that many of the "serious" spanish-fusion guitarists have unsuccessfully attempted. (Pretty amazing when you consider he grew up a "Stillers" fan in Pittsburgh.)



This latter aspect is a double-edged sword that has caused the harsh reviews from some.



Esteban's overt selling of his relationship with Segovia when the trained ear can quickly tell he was probably the Master's worst student is annoying. For example, his excess reliance on legato soloing indicates deficiencies with right hand finger picking technique. He's not a master, not even close .... he wouldn't even be allowed on stage with contemparies of acoustic-Spanish fusion music like Paco De Lucia and Al Dimeola. (Speaking of contemparies that tried and failed to make the switch to popular appeal.) Heck, he can't even compete with Jose Feliciano.



Much like the Artist, this album is comprised of both quality tracks and flat out clunkers. On the good side, his rendition of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" is particularly powerful and the Spanish standard "Malaguena" is lightly and nicely delivered. However, his limitations as a soloist are on full display on "Lady in Red" where he gets lost harmonically and technically he can't produce what he aims to, missing several notes and screaming out "beginner!" On a few other tracks there's a complete disconnect between the accompaniment and the guitar.



In the end the Dimeolas and De Lucias of the world could learn showmanship and attention to each to each note (versus cramming as many in as a possible) and Esteban should upgrade his technical skills to be more inline with them. Reality is the world is still waiting for the flamenco guitarist with limitless technical skills but a sensitivity to the fans and the music.



But that said if you're looking for reasonably good music for background that's not technically challenging enough to compete with the foreground, you can't go wrong with Esteban."