Search - Steve Lin :: Imagen

Imagen
Steve Lin
Imagen
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (19) - Disc #1

I grew up in Taiwan, an island that, despite its size, has for many years been home to a multicultural society. Traces of Taiwanese indigenous tribal peoples, the Japanese, and the West permeated aspects of daily life, len...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Steve Lin
Title: Imagen
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: VGo Recordings
Release Date: 12/1/2007
Genre: Classical
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 790246367127

Synopsis

Product Description
I grew up in Taiwan, an island that, despite its size, has for many years been home to a multicultural society. Traces of Taiwanese indigenous tribal peoples, the Japanese, and the West permeated aspects of daily life, lending a certain depth and balance to the cultural blend. My father, who received training both in Taiwan and in the US, was acutely mindful of the importance of developing a broad cultural perspective and took steps to provide my sister and me with opportunities to do the same. Apart from taking up English at an early age, we were also actively involved in art and music. Although I did not immediately recognize it at the time, my ultimate path in music began shortly after my fourteenth birthday when, at my father s urging, I took up the guitar. At first, I contented myself with strumming and singing Taiwanese folk and pops songs, but within a few months, I developed an interest in classical guitar. From that simple beginning it was only a matter of time before I discovered the captivating music of the composers featured on this CD: Antonio Lauro and Agustín Barrios. Their compositions have not only been a pleasure to perform, but they have also acted as a portal to Latin American culture. Thus the appreciation for cultural diversity that I first absorbed from my father comes full circle in this tribute to two great figures of the Herencia Latina . As a musician, it is a privilege to not only witness cross-cultural currents but also to be an active participant in the cultural dialog. Consequently, this album is the result of my engagement with multiculturalism. There are many who have made this project possible and I would especially like to thank Wan Hai Charity Foundation for their generous support, Eliot Fisk for his wisdom and guidance, Federico Sheppard for his zeal, Marilyn Goodrich for her beautiful calligraphy, Vince Go for his inexhaustible enthusiasm and passion, and finally Mom and Dad for all the understanding, love, and just about everything under the sun. - Steve Lin
 

CD Reviews

Steve Lin -- Imagen--solo guitar
Marilyn M. Goodrich | Roslindale, Massachusetts | 12/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Steve Lin has chosen a great program for his second album --"Imagen". All the compositions form a harmonious whole.



This is a wonderful album--Steve Lin plays with such beauty and sensitivity and warmth. I have been listening to it over and over since I first got it, and it always charms me. I enthusiastically recommend it.



Marilyn Goodrich

Roslindale, Massachusetts"
Compelling recording
Jonathan M. Dunnicliff | Savannah, GA | 01/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Always been a huge fan of mi amigo Pio Barrios, so when I heard Steven, one of my favourite new Classical Guitarists, embarked on recording Barrios; I saved my pennies for the new CD. So far it has not left my kitchen cd player. LOVE IT!



I later brought it into my studio listening room, as I became curious at reading within the cd that they recorded on location at a Lutheran Church in Massachusetts. The recording shows very little room noise, and the warmth of the compositions are there, with all the extra reverb and pleasure of recording in a true space and not a dampened studio.



The cd consists of works from three composers, but the Barrios is where the recording shines the deepest(tracks 11-19), and track 15 "Julia Florida" transcends-- "pure magic"; the subtleties at the end of track 13, "Gavota al Estilo Antiguo" show Steven's understanding of classical dynamics and emotive force-- perhaps a result of studying under the wonderful musical hands of Eliot Fisk.



In this day and age of substandard recordings and hokey approaches to generic classical selections, this one shines and is well worth the low asking price.



-JD"