Search - Regino Sainz de la Maza, Miguel Llobet, Andres Segovia :: Spanish Legends

These 65 minutes of solo guitar playing--handsomely, intimately recorded--are a pleasure to listen to. Russell is a true virtuoso, playing with an ease and assurance which gives the recital the great subtle, variety it should have. He's equally at home with the catchy, playful "Zapateado" by De La Maza that opens the program as he is with Llobet's lyrical, singable, relaxed "El testament d'Amelia." The beautiful, lullaby-like "La filla del Marxant" (also by Llobet) is as smooth as silk, and the four pieces by Andres Segovia have a flavor all their own. The downright odd, but alluringly discordant "El Abejorro" by Pujol will enchant and puzzle you. The program is songlike, dancelike, familiar and new-sounding, and Russell's graceful way with each style is ideal. Every note, every delicate harmonic, is audible and important, but there's never a sense of underlining either a melodic or rhythmic phrase. Russsell lets the music, diverse and fascinating, speak for itself. A must for those who love the classical guitar, especially with a Spanish flavor. --Robert Levine