Release Date: 12 November 2012
Label: ECM
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 602527909493
Genres: World Music  
Release Date: 12 November 2012
Label: ECM
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 602527909493
Genres: World Music  
Description
"As the title says, there is nothing but guitar", the Catalan José Luis Montón (born in Barcelona in 1962) remarks in a brief and self-effacing liner note. Just an acoustic guitar, and an astonishing guitarist. Over the years at ECM it has often been the case that one record production has opened a door into another, and when producer Manfred Eicher heard José Luis Montón's creative and sensitive playing at the session for singer Amina Alaoui's Pan-Iberian 'Arco Iris' project, he determined that a Montón solo project would be highly appropriate for the label. Thus this extraordinary disc, recorded in Lugano in April 2011.
It's a major artistic statement. With its programme of Montón compositions drawing upon the melodic subtleties, rhythmic vitality and emotional power of flamenco, making connections also to classical tradition, it can at once take its place alongside the label's finest solo guitar albums.
"Flamenco is very beautiful in itself and I am deeply grateful for the inspiration it has given me throughout my career and my personal struggle to find myself through music," he says. "I owe a special debt of gratitude to all the great masters of flamenco guitar that have enriched so much its language, introducing new characters in the alphabet of flamenco." The flow of ideas in Montón's pieces can be breathtaking, as melodic lines splinter into flurries of notes or dance elegantly through stacked rhythms, virtuosity always harnessed to thoroughly musical ends. The music also draws from other resources including classical music, Baroque music being specifically acknowledged with the JS Bach-inspired 'Air', which references the Air from Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068.
Personnel: José Luis Montón (guitar)
Tracklisting
Jordina Milla & Barry Guy
Tomasz Stanko Quartet
Norma Winstone & Kit Downes
Oded Tzur
Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, Dave Holland & Bill Frisell
Fred Hersch
John Taylor, Norma Winstone & Kenny Wheeler
Keith Jarrett & Jan Garbarek
Third Ear Band
William Parker, Cooper-Moore, Hamid Drake
Verckys & Orchestre Vévé
Sessa
The Ipanemas
Azymuth
Dobet Gnahore
Kuljit Bhamra