Who knew Portland Oregon could be the home to global fusion and rumba guitar? Ask Brent Gunter and he’ll show you the way vis a vis “Andalucia”.
According to his official biography, Gunter “after going through his classic rock phase (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, the hard rock of the ‘80s), returned to music that was more classical-oriented. He studied classical composition in college and went on to explore the cross-pollination of musical styles. He also became a fan of guitarist Will Ackerman 's then-burgeoning early-‘80s acoustic music revolution with his homebred Windham Hill label.” After a few tracks in on his latest cd, you’ll be glad that Gunter traded in hard riffs for more culturally different melodies.
Gunter infuses everything from world, blues to new age music, adding a bit of electronica, with a stunning array of Middle Eastern rhythms infused with flamenco. Gunter does all of this and the result is “Andaluicia” which is luxurious and verdant without ever sounding like a spa cd or on hold messaging background noise.
Standout tracks include “The Storm Is Near”, “Secret of the Tower” and “Villa De Amor”.
There is real depth here in Gunter’s opulent style and delivery and the songs hit the musical jackpot-exactly where they should be.
4 stars
