Search - Peter Xifaras :: Appassionato

A great blend of acoustic guitar with ambient synth textures

Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire | Minneapolis, MN United States | 03/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Judging APPASSIONATO by its cover will prove a big mistake. What appears to be an acoustic guitar album with possible flamenco stylings is actually much much more! Using electronic keyboards to layer synth textures and rhythms underneath his delicate and passionate guitar-playing, Peter Xifaras has fashioned an album that gracefully straddles the line between acoustic instrumental music and melodic ambient music. The results are outstanding! The guitar never seems to truly dominate this CD, which is to its credit. Songs shape shift as the synthesizers weave their spells, carrying each cut into distinctly unique territory. The overall vibe of APPASSIONATO is relaxed but this is not just another "music to relax by" release (not meant as a criticism, even if it was). The melodic sensibility is challenging while staying comepletely accessible. The songs are warm, friendly, yet never saccharine. Peter's guitar playing is accomplished yet never showy. Production and engineering is first-rate. All in all, APPASSIONATO is a showcase not just for Peter's playing but also his solitary vision of incorporating electronics in a way to flesh out the sound of his acoustic guitar and bridge the sometimes insurmountable gap between the disparate worlds of electronic ambient music and acoustic instrumental. The album is romantic, lush, and a joy to listen to (something I have done many times). It's a first rate debut from this artist, who you should keep your eye on for more great things in the future, I'd wager."