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Cleverly combines Latin and world music styles in an innovative way. The all original, instrumental outfit of two acoustic guitars backed by a hot rhythm section provide everything from explosive latin, fusion to odd-time grooves. Frank Gambale, Michael C
Genre:
World: World Fusion
Release Date:
2008
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Glenn Cannon
Leverage
Jazz: Jazz Fusion
Logic?
Native Strut
Jazz: Jazz Fusion
Hands
Avatar
© Copyright-Glenn Cannon and Nick Freer
(634479771194)
Record Label: Avatar
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Mango
Originally based on the Tango rhythm and dance from Argentina, this piece begins with a driving rhythm before changing to a melodic second section. The guitar solo builds to a crescendo before leading to a dramatic bridge section, reminiscent of the mood portrayed in the traditional Tango dance. Contrary to the traditional Tango rhythm, this piece regularly changes time signatures from 4/4 to 5/4, 6/4 and 3/4. A kind of ‘mangled Tango’…
Ceret
Situated in the South of France at the foot of the Pyrenees, this small village in the Catalan region has a beautiful combination of French and Spanish culture, all of which is present in the food, language, dress, art, and of course, music. Picasso spent several summers here from 1911 onwards, which is said to have had some influence on his work during the dawn of cubism.
Stephanie
A story of lovers torn between two different continents and cultures, and their attempts to meet somewhere in between.
Mercedes
A tribute to the beautiful young Catalan woman described in Alexandre Dumas’ ‘Count of Monte Christo’, whose betrothal to Edward Dante was maliciously arrested on their wedding day.
Ryan’s Dance
This piece is dedicated to our drummer, Ryan Menezes for his comprehensive knowledge of Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Flamenco rhythms. The bright and lively atmosphere of this piece evokes a desire to dance, however the regularly changing time signatures and rhythms make it navigable to dance to, possibly only by Ryan himself.
From Over the Fence
I wrote this tune around the memory of growing up in Kay Street, Carlton. Over our back fence lived an Old Italian man. He was always in his garden singing songs I didn’t know in a language that I didn’t understand. Occasionally he’d pass olives through the fence, laughing while I ate them. It’s always summer when I think of him. The concrete is hot; I’m eating olives and listening to the voice from over the fence
Jai Ya
The title and meaning for this tune comes from a Larry David line in Curb Your Enthusiasm, thanks Lassie Dodd. The tune itself is for my brother and his passion for guitar music circa 1980 Shrapnel records. Thanks to Glenn for learning the unison lines and playing them on an acoustic.
No, Really
I won’t be here when you get back, yes you will, no I won’t… no, really.
I miss you Jean
Song for Piyarat
One of the nicest people you could meet is Piyarat Suksiri. This song came to me on a tour that she helped organise so I named it for her. My intention was to use simple melodic motifs and place them over a shifting harmonic and form length base. Like Piyarat, the melody is supposed to sail through whatever it is put up against.
Baba Eva
I wanted to write a tune in an odd time where I could play the melody as well as the harmony. However over time the tune moved away from this and as I listened to different African guitar styles it all moved in another direction completely. Baba is Swahili for Father and this is about the Kenyans in my life.
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a refreshing blend of acoustic sounds
author: Ryan Wojno
Avatar, an Australian Quartet, delivers a refreshing, eclectic mix of all original and inspiring music in their 2008 debut release "Hands." Clocking in at slightly more than 51 minutes, this disk transports the listener across a diverse and extensively lush musical landscape. It's not often that I find myself falling in love with a cd on one listen, but Avatar has managed to create a disc which clicks with me on so many levels. Fans of spanish tinged guitar, jazz, latin flavored world-esque and even fusion will find a common standing on this cd.
The rhythm section of Gavin Pearce (b) and Ryan Menezes (d) creates a strong foundation for guitarists Glenn Cannon and Nick Freer to breathe life into the stunningly crisp and focused compositions. Freer's jazz background shines through the mix and is complimented well by Cannon's more fusion oriented style. To rate one guitarist above the other would be elementary and quite foolish, both contribute and help create a unique and uplifting listening experience while at the same time leaving the listener astounded at the high quality musicianship on display.
Special guests include Michael Carmona on percussion. The addition of Carmona helps to add the 'wow' factor to the rhythm section as well as to allow drummer, Ryan Menezes, to add his own special touches on drums. Anthony Schulz plays the piano accordion on five of the ten songs on the album and quickly dispels any stigma or negative connotations previously associated with the accordion. Frank Gambale contributes two steel-stringed guitar solos on 'Mango' (1st solo) and 'Jai Ya' and simply shreds when given the opportunity! Watch for his unison lines on 'Jai Ya' especially!
Had I heard of this album in 2008, it would have been my second favorite cd of year - it's THAT good. If you're a fan of genre blurred acoustic guitar driven music, this cd is a must have. More information about the band can be found at their official website.
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