Tierra Madre
author: Julian Stevens
http://www.smooth-jazz.de/starportrait/Carpenter/Tierramadre.htm tells you pretty well all you need to know about this album without me having to repeat it all here. All I have to add is that it's every bit as good as it's brilliant predecessor Sirena, albeit slightly different in flavour, now with the addition of some saxophone here and there, a bit more (excellently programmed) synthesizer, if not quite the same degree of light and shade throughout.
Stand out tracks include Hero's Journey which features some seriously awesome bass (be careful with your speakers!), Temples In The Mist, which is almost trippy, and Better Demons to round off a truly excellent second set.
The second album is always a tricky proposition in the wake of a fine debut and I have to say I was wary that it wouldn't be as good as Sirena. In fact, when I got my copy and played it for the first few times, I was a bit disappointed. But then, on the fourth hearing, it suddenly clicked ~ big time, and I have no hesitation in awarding this another five * rating. Another excellent album which anyone in the market for something truly different from most of what's out there these days should hear. Listen, enjoy and enrich your life. Well done, Gary. I hope I'm not your only ardent fan because you deserve many, many more.
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