Search - Romero Lumbambo :: Lubabmbo

A great player stretches out

greg taylor | Portland, Oregon United States | 06/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD had an unusual gestation. John Zorn called Romero Lubambo and asked him if he wanted to record a solo CD of original music. Since Lubambo does not write for solo guitar but for the various groupings with which he plays, he replied, "Impossible". Fortunately, he spent a few weeks reimagining some of his compositions as solo guitar pieces by incorporating more of his classical guitar technique.
The result is a classical solo guitar album that belongs in the collection of anybody who likes that tradition.
Romero's technique is staggering at times, his harmonic and rhythmic sensibilities are complex and compelling and his compositions are wonderfully varied. He is capable of writing those simple, romantic and achingly beautiful songs that Brazilians are famous for (try listening to the sound sample for "Nira") but he also gives us compositions that sound like they come from completely different traditions as well (listening to "Bachiao"). So if you come to this CD hoping for the traditional melodious hybrid that is the norm for the hybrid known as "Brazilian jazz" you may be disappointed. However, if you love solo guitar a la Fahey, Adrian Legg or Bola Sete then this is definitely a CD to check out. For my money, this is one of the great solo guitar CDs coming from any tradition of the last decade."