Search - Yoshimatsu, Shin-Ichi Fukuda :: Tender Toys: Guitar Works

Incredibly beautiful contemporary guitar music

Richard B. Schuchman | Orlando, FL United States | 07/06/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an amazing cd and I'm very surprised I've never heard of this composer before. The melodies are so evocative and heartwrenching, somewhat abstract, but always tonal. It speaks to my soul. There are some really nice faster, complex pieces to keep things interesting, but overall, this is music for contemplation. My only reservation is there is a harmonica featured on 3 or so tracks which is distracting. It takes some getting used to and reminds one of an Italian bandoneon player serenading someone on one of the canals, or perhaps Piazolla, though not so rhythmic and "tango-ish". The tracks with it aren't bad, but it plays the melody line and kind of changes the focus from the guitar. Overall though, it shouldn't discourage anyone from getting this one, especially lovers of contemporary guitar music, looking for something different."