"This is the third CD that James Grace has released under his own label, Stringwise Records. Each of his releases focuses on a different aspect of the guitar repertoire, giving them an added advantage for lovers of guitar music. The first, Granada, concentrates on the music of Spain. The second, Portrait, is a somewhat more ‘serious’ recital programme, while his latest, Café Latino, is a delightful, relaxed and exotic journey through the music of Latin American composers from Cuba, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I settled down to listen to Café Latino, but imagine my surprise when I discovered some enchanting and irresistible music, which creates an exotic atmosphere, yet which seems rooted in the comfortable harmonic world of the romantic period. In fact, I’ve made some delightful discoveries listening to this new CD.
As with his previous two CDs, James Grace has achieved not only a sophisticated sound, courtesy of his recording engineer Duncan Mackay, but the entire package is elegant, with superb photography, design and sleeve notes. All credit to James for his meticulous personal control of all these aspects of Stringwise Records.
Music lovers are well aware of the musical and technical attributes with which James is blessed and these are very apparent in his playing on this album, which is sensitive, colourful, and elegantly phrased. It as a joy to listen to and I gather plans are already afoot for a fourth CD."
Opus Magazine
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