Search - Craig Chaquico :: Panorama: The Best of

Panorama: The Best of
Craig Chaquico
Panorama: The Best of
Genres: Jazz, New Age, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (14) - Disc #1

When former Jefferson Starship guitarist Craig Chaquico (cha-KEY-so) reinvented himself as a pop instrumentalist in 1993 (the year he released Acoustic Highway, his solo debut), he brought the still-fledgling contemporary ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Craig Chaquico
Title: Panorama: The Best of
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Higher Octave
Original Release Date: 7/18/2000
Release Date: 7/18/2000
Genres: Jazz, New Age, Pop
Styles: Smooth Jazz, Meditation, Adult Contemporary, Adult Alternative
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 724384927226, 0724384927257, 724384927257

Synopsis

Amazon.com
When former Jefferson Starship guitarist Craig Chaquico (cha-KEY-so) reinvented himself as a pop instrumentalist in 1993 (the year he released Acoustic Highway, his solo debut), he brought the still-fledgling contemporary instrumental genre one of its freshest sounds in years. Chaquico blended skillful pop-rock-blues songcraft with studio savvy to produce a lush, layered acoustic sound so full-bodied that at times he seemed to be leading a guitar choir. His initial hit, the title track from that first disc (and the concluding piece on this best-of package), remains one of the most cheerfully infectious tunes in this category. Other selections on Panorama, a retrospective that samples his first five recordings, also capture the hip, lyrical joyfulness of Chaquico's early work ("Native Tongue," "Sacred Ground," "Return of the Eagle"), where new melodic ideas might pop up at any point in the composition. Elements of smooth jazz began surfacing on his third disc, A Thousand Pictures, and that trend has persisted ever since, draining some of the organic, free-spirited spark from Chaquico's music. The two new tunes found on this disc, "Café Carnival" (a Latin big-band production) and "Beyond Words," suggest that pattern still prevails, and while Chaquico can make smooth jazz sound pretty good (try "Sweet Talk"), that easy-listening glaze is an unnecessary crutch for such an imaginative player. Nevertheless, Panorama is an attractive package; just a touch too sweet in places. --Terry Wood

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Member CD Reviews

David N. (ilikeallmusic) from GADSDEN, AL
Reviewed on 10/20/2015...
This is a good one!! AMG rates this 4.5 out of 5.0 and an "Album Pick", Part Jazz & part New Age - Good relaxation music! David N

CD Reviews

A Panorama of hits.
Gia | Woodland Hills, CA USA | 07/27/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)

"A fine compilation of hits from Craig Chaquico and the Acoustic Highway band. This cd shows the variety of expressions and the innovative talent that keeps progressing to higher levels. The CD contains two new songs. The smooth "Beyond Words' and the hot & sassy, 'Cafe Carnival'. A must have for your collection."
High Quality-Highly Enjoyable
Gerrit Ruitinga | Antwerp | 09/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is the high point of a "journey" I started a year ago when I bought Chaquico and Freeman's cooperation on "From the Redwood to the Rockies".For a European living in Thailand this sort of music is not the most obvious choice, since it is very American. But...also very beautiful!! Since then I have bought albums by Acoustic Alchemy, Third Force, Petre White and now this one.I think it is the best of the ones I have heard ( with Rockies a close second).The songs are very gentle with smooth rhythms, superb acoutic guitar play and wonderful melodies. It contains however also a number of funky and jazzy elements in particular on "Lights out San Fransisco that give the songs depth and compassion and prevent the album from being the sort of New Age music they feed you in airplanes to fall asleep. In fact, it has nothing to do with that; every time you listen to this album, you have to pay full attention, you will discover something new.For all fans of acoustic guitar music, do not miss this one and for those unfamiliar with (good) New Age music... start with this one."