“These two ladies have the gift of a Mahalia Jackson combined with Billie Holiday’s charm. Two extremely rare and seamless voices modern ears can enjoy. All of these common musical artists are now getting their well-earned reward for quality, integrity, persistence, and an uncommon sense of perfection. It’s never the pedigrees, but common people who change music history.” – Scott Shelsta
Once in a while I hear a CD that could change everyone’s view of quality and creativity. Where do you find masterful players of conch shell choirs, various instruments including accordions, the mandolin’s Greek counterpart called the Bouzouki, and many more?
Theofilos Katechis deserves special attention and is a Bouzouki prodigy at 19 years of age. There are also flawless Spanish and Greek lyrics with no hint of an American accent. Yes, the trombone quartets and quintets, saxophones, and rhythm sections enhance this perfect studio recording. The flutist, Connie Grossman is well known in New York City as the top flutist for Puerto Rican, Afro-Cuban flute playing. Her performance alone is over the top.
Demetrios Kastaris has been called “El Griego Rumbero” (the Greek who plays lively Afro-Cuban music). The moniker fits him perfectly. Steve Turre adds the continued icing on this CD cake with his beautiful trombone and conch shells ad libs. Don’t overlook the fact that Demetrios is also a master conch shell player. The overdubs for duets, trios, and quartets of conch shell choirs are seamless.
The hidden CD gems are any of the Spanish-English vocals by Deborah Resto and Dawn Tallman respectively especially on cut five “Oh, How He Loves You and Me”. Their use of dynamics, pauses, and overall patience are extremely rare today.
These two ladies have the gift of a Mahalia Jackson combined with Billie Holiday’s charm. Two extremely rare and seamless voices modern ears can enjoy.
All of these common musical artists are now getting their well-earned reward for quality, integrity, persistence, and an uncommon sense of perfection. It’s never the pedigrees, but common people who change music history.
SGM Scott C. Shelsta, The U.S. Army Band, Washington D.C.
Review by SGM Scott C. Shelsta, U.S.A., retired, “Pershing’s Own” The U.S. Army Band, Washington D.C., Chairman of the Eastern Trombone Workshop 1993-2004,“Te Exaltamos con Trombones” (We Exalt You with Trombones).