Album Notes

Artist: Giovanni Guido
Album title: Guitar Master
Reviewed by: Michael Diamond
Review title: Fretboard Virtuosity
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)


Review Summary:

While finger-style guitar, which doesn’t use a pick, is certainly not uncommon in classical, folk, flamenco, and other musical genres, rarely if ever has anyone used this technique in jazz with such speed and dexterity as Giovanni. One thing I was repeatedly struck by while listening to this album was the incredible contrast between the intensity and awesome power of the playing and the soft warmth of the nylon string guitars’ timbre. Giovanni’s flying fingers and furious fretwork evoke a sound seldom heard before on this instrument to this degree. Impressive, to say the least!


Review:

Laying claim to the title of “the world’s fastest finger-style jazz guitarist” is a bold declaration, and one best when backed up by the chops. After hearing Giovanni Guido’s Guitar Master album, I’m a believer he has a right to that superlative distinction. I was grateful that there were video clips of him in action on his website, so that I could vouch for the fact that this music is indeed the result of his talents rather than studio wizardry or enhancements.

In addition to his technical virtuosity, some of the innovations he brings are his choice of instrument and the way he plays it. The nylon stringed classical guitar is not as often found in a jazz context. A small number of artists such as Charlie Byrd and Earl Klugh have used it that way, but they are few and far between. And while finger-style guitar, which doesn’t use a pick, is certainly not uncommon in classical, folk, flamenco, and other musical genres, rarely if ever has anyone used this technique in jazz with such speed and dexterity as Giovanni. One of his influences in this particular style is Paco De Lucia, possibly the world’s greatest flamenco guitarist. Listeners who enjoy Paco’s solo work will find a lot to like in Guitar Master.

Giovanni, who was born in Naples Italy, started his love affair with the guitar at the tender age of eight years old. He continued on with it, eventually graduating from the Guildhall School Of Music And Drama in London and later studied at the Guitar Institute in Hollywood, California. Fate led to a connection with the famed and highly regarded group The Jazz Crusaders, which he became a permanent member of and toured the world with for five years. These and many other experiences and international awards have lead him to this, his first full length CD featuring his must be heard to be believed guitar work.

Guitar Master features seventeen songs that include five jazz standards and twelve original tunes, with some of them being totally improvised. From the first cascading flow of notes on the opening track entitled “All The Things You Are,” the justification for the album’s title begins to become apparent. The CD continues with “Whirlwind,” which lives up to its name with its fast-paced playing that blows through like a summer storm. The pace slows down with the lovely and enchanting “Alice In Wonderland” and shows a more sensitive side to Giovanni’s guitar spectrum. Showcasing another facet of this diverse musical jewel is the tune “Blues Kas”, which reflects elements of blues, funk, and jazz.

Virtuosity combines with passion on “Latin Mood” and highlights the mastery of Giovanni’s playing. An unexpected surprise greeted me on the opening of “Wu Shu” that kicked off with the kind of rapid fire percussive slapping of the strings that is often used by funk bass players. One of my favorite tunes on the CD was the sweetly flowing “Kimochii Dance” which is vaguely reminiscent of guitarist Pat Metheney. Also among the standouts is “Les Amants”, reflective of the aforementioned softer side of his guitar playing and gave me a much needed moment to pick my jaw up off the floor and melt into one of the most tender and touching songs on the album.

Guitar Master closes with “7 Maggio”, the only song on the CD that is not solo guitar. Accompanying Giovanni is Linley Marthe on bass, pianist Mario Canonge, and Francis Lassus on drums. It was appropriate to save this for last, serving as a grand finale as well as giving a brief taste of Giovanni in an ensemble setting – a potent alchemy to say the least, and something I’d love to hear more of. One thing I was repeatedly struck by while listening to this album was the incredible contrast between the intensity and awesome power of the playing and the soft warmth of the nylon string guitars’ timbre. Giovanni’s flying fingers and furious fretwork evoke a sound seldom heard before on this instrument to this degree. Impressive, to say the least!

Review by Michael Diamond
Music journalist and producer
http://www.michaeldiamondmusic.com/journalism.shtml