Search - Vlad :: Vladosphere

The next big thing, no doubt.

Peter | Monterey, CA | 12/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first time I've heard about Vlad was seing his ad in the Sound & Vision magazine. I checked his website, then listened to some tracks and came to a conclusion to get the CD.



Here are my fresh impressions.



This CD is very different from anything out there in smooth jazz or straight jazz. It almost sounds too big for any genre. It incorporates jazz, funk, classical (and it's amazing!), pop and almost new age. And being a guitarist myself I'm very impressed with Vlad's playing and his unique techiques.



Vlad's songs are all easy to listen to, but not easy to play - I can tell you that! He effortlessly goes from an incredible jazz performance in "Vladosphere" to even a more incredible 'Close To The Edge' for a start! "Life Of My Heart" sounds like a song would be written by Sting rather than a jazz (or is it jazz?) guitarist. The record develops in a good direction and makes you wonder about the next innovation Vlad could bring. Overall, after finishing listening to it, one impression is left: "WOW"...Then, you want more.



If you're looking for a simple smooth jazz record - it's not it. It's different, it's bigger, it's about better music, better performance and better spent money! :)



Think Sting, Pat Metheny, or even Jeff Beck.



This CD definately puts Vlad on a big career and you will definately hear about him more and more.



-peter"

Great Album!

Mark W. | Toronto, Canada | 01/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nice album. Very relaxing, soothing music. Guitar playing is very unique and beautiful. Guitar in the likes of Benson, Pat Metheny, Jeff Beck... harmonies more like Sting, Pater Gabriel...well you get the idea. A Unique and a well worthy sound. Giving 5 stars.



-Mark



P.S. Here is a review from Cafe Jazz Radio (jazzlynx.net) that pointed out this album:



"Vladosphere - Vlad: Uplifting, melodic and stimulating are just some adjectives that begin to describe the music of Vlad... The album exhibits an intriguing blend of flavours, from an "Old World charm" to a technical adeptness that is second to none. As such, this is a unique recording and one that is certain to breathe life-giving-freshness into your musical day ...just as its title suggests."

"

Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 07/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a refreshing collection of music from Ukrainian-born multi-instrumentalist Vlad, who now resides in Northern California, where most of VLADOSPHERE was created! This is quite an exceptional album, ranging from Smooth Jazz instrumental music that reminds me of Craig Chaquico's style, to almost classical or new age, but always lyrical and uplifting. With a background as a drummer from the age of 7, and a guitarist from age 13, this truly gifted musician captures a feel in his music that only the greats before him have managed. Wrap yourself in the pensive beauty of "Maybe...," take in the soaring joy and positive vibe of VLADOSPHERE's first radio hit, "Little Star," or chill to the smooth ambience of "What If..." It's all good, it's all quality...brilliantly performed and produced. This is definitely a disc to just slip into your player and thoroughly absorb. It's not just the music...it's the whole aura Vlad has created here, that's so captivating. There's plenty of variety in tempo and feel to keep you intrigued from beginning to end. In Vlad's own words, "VLADOSPHERE is a place where I feel safe, secure, loved, balanced, happy, and optimistic... Every human has his or her own sphere in that sense as well. We just need to make it alive again for each of us." Personally, I recommend spending some quality time in Vlad's world...the VLADOSPHERE! It is, indeed, a most pleasant, inspirational place to be. ~Scott O'Brien"