Album Notes

THE PROGRAM -
“Sounds of Bells” is the most well-known guitar composition of northeast Brazil’s Pernambuco, born João Guimarães. Listen for the bell-like natural harmonics. “Evocación” is from “Suite del Recuerdo” by José Luis Merlín and is so smooth and accessible, it could be used for a movie theme. It’s dedicated to Atahualpa Yupanqui. “El Negrito” is said to be the nickname Venezuelan composer Antonio Lauro had for his son, one of two little pieces he wrote for his children, the other being “La Gatica,” for his daughter. “Caçique,” by Brazilian composer Attilio Bernardini, is subtitled “Tango Brasilero” and sports a catchy rhythm and memorable melody. “Julia Florida” is one of the most popular pieces written by the great Paraguayan composer-guitarist Agustín Barrios Mangoré. It is in “dropped D” tuning, meaning the lowest string is tuned even lower - very effective here for producing a tender sentiment. “Reminiscence” is a very rare piece by Aaron Shearer, using the mandolin-like “tremolo” technique. “Santa Cruz” is the only piece I know by David Qualey, who recorded for Windham Hill and lives in Germany. When I first heard it at a Christopher Parkening masterclass, I immediately wanted to play it. Tárrega disciple Daniel Fortea’s “Mazurka” is harmonically simple and yet exotic - a characteristic of many of the most popular classical guitar compositions. “Danza Brasilera” kicks. It is such a fun piece to play and hear. Composer Jorge Morel, from Argentina, is amazing. “Moorish Dance” is a set of variations I wrote on a traditinal theme in Frederick Noad's guitar method, evoking the Sahara, an oasis, camels and tents, and a little surf music, building to a big finish! —DR

Instructor and Performer Daniel Roest started playing the guitar at the age of seven and never stopped. Today he has performed in countless solo and ensemble events in nearly every kind of venue. His CD Great Guitars! 2004 received 5-star reviews. His concerts sell out and are praised for being entertaining and informative.
For many years he taught guitar in colleges, and now maintains a full-time teaching studio. His teaching experience led to the creation of The Guitar Organizer,® which has earned praise from many talented teachers and artists.
Daniel is recognized for supporting gifted guitarists such as Laurence Juber, Peppino D’Agostino, Muriel Anderson, Jeff Linsky, Franco Morone, Chris Proctor, Sharon Isbin, Carlos Barbosa-Lima and others. For ten years he served as President and Artistic Director of the South Bay Guitar Society based in San Jose, CA.
He earned three degrees in music performance and has participated in 27 masterclasses. He taught guitar and music fundamentals at California State University Stanislaus and De Anza, Foothill and San Jose City Colleges. He has adjudicated several multi-instrument competitions and presented music clinics. He enjoys introducing new audiences to the art of the classical guitar and conducting lecture-demos with visiting artists in schools of all grade levels. He has posted dozens of free "Mini-Lessons" for guitarists on his website and authored articles for Mel Bay's online magazine, Guitar Sessions.

REVIEWS
"Fantastic! Our highest attendance ever. Daniel Roest's concert was the highlight of the year.... The audience was delighted and enthralled." —Folsom Public Library

"I was very glad to have Daniel Roest in the Portland Classic Guitar Concert Series. His performance was very well received, ending in an explosive standing ovation. His program was fun and entertaining, which would be great for any audience." —William Jenks, Presenter

"BRAVO!" An artist, a polished performer with a sense of drama, a keen sense of musical content... most satisfying in every way... What a pleasure!" —San Jose City College Music Department

"Very fine. Mr. Roest performed with grace and precision." —Reed Magazine

"Lovely... beautiful phrasing, beautiful tone." —Young Artist Award

"Outstanding performance... an excellent musician!" —SJSU Program Board

"Master of the instrument, limpid in execution, precise in his movements, listening to him, we get the feeling that we are with one of the great players of the guitar." (Translated from Spanish) —Tiempo Latino