Search - Michael Gulezian :: The Dare of an Angel

Gulezian plays like an angel

Bubba Fett | 12/18/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"See him live if you can. Michael Gulezian is an outstanding performer, writer, musician. His music, his soul, is touched by angels."

Solo guitarist shines in synergy of master musicians

Cliff Ahrens | Chicago, IL USA | 01/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off, this is a beautiful CD. But if you're looking for the monster acoustic version of Michael Gulezian, I'd recommend the more recent (and astoundingly great) release, "Language of the Flame."



The Dare of an Angel features additional instrumentation besides acoustic guitar. That usually spells disaster for guitar soloists out to expand their sonic palate, but the good news is that Gulezian completely avoids that trap - this music snaps and jumps, sparkles and breathes, and is very much alive. The percussion (Ian Dogole), piano (Ira Stein), violin (Charlie Bisharat), and bass (Michael Manring!) seem wholly written and integrated into the compositions, serving as the perfect setting for an acoustic guitar that shines like a diamond. The melding of third-world rhythms to percussive twelve string guitar is especially notable. This CD is on par with some of the best work Ralph Towner did with Oregon.



There are a handful of solo pieces, and they are delivered with all the subtle authority you'd expect from Gulezian. But the real story here is the teamwork, lack of ego, and absence of showboating. These players are some of the best instrumentalists in existence, a fact made more obvious by the complete absence of gymnastics. There's more than enough energy - this is simply some of the most exquisitely understated music I've ever heard. It's as if the musicians became invisible on this outing, leaving us alone in the ether of pure sound.



Gulezian may be a solo acoustic guitar monster, but here it's much more about beauty, and the collective synergy among master musicians.



Favorite track: "Nothing Is Always Anything." Definitely recommend buying this disc."

What a cool frood Michael is

Bubba Fett | Gotham City | 10/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been fortunate enough to have caught three of Michael's concerts, and every time it was a warm, glowing experience. His quirky sense of humor and mild, humble attitude makes you love him instantly. And then he plays the living hell out of his guitars. It's hard sometimes to believe there's not another guitarist hiding just offstage, because you wouldn't think so much wonderful music could come off of just one guitar. Obviously, the CD experience isn't as rich, but it's still wonderful guitar playing, whether you're listening just for pure enjoyment or you're a guitarist yourself looking for inspiration. This or any of his albums is a great buy."