GILBERT ISBIN
~ RED WINE ~
THE ARTIST & THE DISC
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I was a little apprehensive about reviewing Gilbert Isbin's
new CD "Red Wine" (his 11'th). I've been a huge fan of Gilbert's music for
a few years now. And I've always been in awe of his technical command of
the instrument, and his deep spiritual presence. And now this great innovator
has given me the opportunity to review his new CD, "Red Wine". An honor I'm
not sure I deserve. But one I'll do my best to earn. So heeeerre we
goooooo......
I can't pretend to fully understand Gilbert's music.I don't
always know where he's coming from. But I do now where he takes me! A masterful
Belgian fingerstyle player. With world recognition as one of the finest.
Gilbert is one guitarist you can't afford not to check out! He incorporates
classical, and freestyle jazz (among other influences) to create a sound
and style unique unto himself. The music is spiritual and calming, to
stimulating. The songs on Red Wine transcend anything of this earth. A true
original. Simply put, "This Is Pure Genius".
Red Wine covers a plethora of styles and influences. Mixing
Classical and Jazz with everything from Rock to Latin to Blues to Indian
to just about anything that's ever crossed this great guitarist/composers
ears. On the CD Gilbert includes his own interpretations of two other, great
guitarists works.
The first is Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing". This at first was
a shocker, that a musician of Gilbert's caliber would find Jimi's melody
worth covering. I'm sure Jimi is in heaven right now, blushing! I
know he would be honored, and maybe even humbled.......Over the years I've
heard a lot of guitarists do Hendrix songs. They all make the same
mistake,.....they try to imitate instead of making the song their own. But
this gifted guitarist/composer takes a landmark piece by Hendrix, and does
what would been sacrilegious in so many other guitarists hands. Keeping the
melody, but almost rewriting the story. Both great players take you to the
same serene euphoria. It's the journey there that varies so widely. Gilbert
perfectly captures the, weightless floating vibe if you will.(an ingredient
Clapton missed on both of his attempts) But approaches the song from a non
rock angle. Thus creating imagery that slips back and forth from Jimi's
version and Gilbert's vision. I've often wondered what would happen
if two true masters of opposing styles got together. Each giving a crucial
contribution to the composition. How would each compliment the other? This
is as close as we may ever come to finding out. Speaking as, probably one
of the top 10 Hendrix fans walking the globe. Gilbert has succeeded where
all others before him have failed. Improving on Hendrix!(I never thought
I'd say that....but I know jimi would agree).
The second is Django Reinhardt's "Nuages". Gilbert slows the
tempo a bit on his version of "Nuances". Giving the song a new yet familiar
feel. Keeping true to Django's original vision. Choosing instead, to embellish
on the original idea. An already beautiful piece by Django, this version
by Gilbert slow's my heart rate. If I close my eyes a smile just comes over
my face. Gilbert has certainly equaled this great player......
The other 12 songs on the CD are Gilbert's compositions. It
is here that we see the adventurous creativity this skilled technician is
capable of. The songs have a casually disciplined feel. Void of the usual
pompous attitude that is synonymous with classical. Red Wine feels more like
classical for the jeans and t shirt fans of the music. Don't get me wrong.
Gilbert is a world renown guitarist, whose skills go without question. I'm
sure the suit wearing puritans are fans of Gilbert's music too. But there's
something about Gilbert's approach and his use of widely varied influences
that makes this music accessible to even the casual listener. All you need
to be is a fan of fingerstyle guitar music, and you can't help but be drawn
in by Gilbert's technical wizardry and masterful compositions.
Gilbert amazed me with his technical brilliance on Red Wine. But, my love
for Gilberts music goes way beyond his technical prowess. The spirituality
of Red Wine is touches me where very few musicians have. Listening (lights
down but not off is my chosen vibe) to this CD you are immediately taken
away to a higher place. No, not heaven, but it's just as devine. And there
you'll stay forever. Or atleast 48 minutes, until the CD's over. Then it's
back to reality, so take my advice....put in on replay!
"On Red Wine Gilbert's music challenges the mind, soothes the
body and refreshes the soul. Complex music with a totally free spirit.
Adventurous and imaginative fingerstyle guitar at it's best".
click
to go to Gilbert Isbin's Site Now...
THE TRACKS
if you don't know what the heck I'm talking about
(and who does?)....check out the samples below.
Click
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The CD opens with "Happy At Your Doorstep", a peppy and as
you would expect, a happy tune. A great song to open the CD with. And
a good introduction to Gilbert's relentless attack. I hope Gilbert will pardon
me for this, but this song rocks! An acoustic cooker from the word go.
TRACK #2 "Little Wing", the fore
mentioned Hendrix song. Showing just how varied Gilbert's influences are.
He takes the landmark piece and brings it to a whole new level. Creating
more colors and shades than the original. The whole time keeping Jimi's free
spirit. This interpretation of "Little Wing" is nothing short of breath taking.
TRACK #3 "Fleur's Dance" A beautiful piece that's more traditional
fingerstyle. And a melody you almost have to hum along with. The most palatable
song for the inexperienced listener. But also one of the most beautiful song.
I hit replay more than a couple of times on this track when I first heard
it. One of my favorites...
TRACK #4 "Gequetst Ben Ic Van Binnen" is Gilbert's arrangement of
an old Flemish folk song.
TRACK #5 "Simple Pleasure" feels like some kind of hybrid jazz pressure
cooker. With moments that sound pop interspersed with some snappy guitar
picking. This song jumps back and forth from familiar to unknown. An addictive,
snappy groove drives this song right till the end.
TRACK #6 "Nuages" is Gilbert's adaption of Belgian (Gilbert
too) Jazz Legend Django Reinhardt's timeless piece. The styles
of these two players is close enough that every now and then I have to think
which guitarists version I'm listening to. That only lasts for a second though,
as soon as I hear Gilbert's inimitable style, there's no question. Gilbert's
version also sounds less jazz and more classical giving the song a whole
new meaning. Not changing the song, but changing how you hear it. This is
truely a wonderful adaption of "Nuages". It seems this gifted artist can
make any song his own, and do it respectfully!
TRACK #7 "Rencounter" has (I think) a latin influence. There also
seems to be an ever present jazz influence.
TRACK #8 "Handful Of Blues" This song I fully understand. Gilbert
ripping it up with his own brand of blues. Keeping it (surprisingly) blues
rooted. Show ungodly talent in country blues. Reaching into his melting
pot of influences and pulling out of nowhere, a virtual who's who of country
blues licks. (Stop and think for a minute. We're talking about a classically
disciplined guitarist who digs Hendrix and the blues....)
TRACK #9 "Fragile" A calming song that is a little less adventurous.
Giving the mind time to rest. This song instead feeds the soul. As with the
entire CD spirituality is the hidden force behind Gilbert's incredible music.
TRACK #10 "Deep And Wide" A song capable
of altering your conscious state. A soulful spacious song with a
dynamic delivery. OK let me get to the point! This is where I realized
that yes, Gilbert Isbin is a Master. Not simply a great guitarist aspiring
to be one. But a true master of his instrument, and composer.
TRACK #11 "Emer" This song has a deep indian influence. Giving
this track a very special feel as he travels between styles. You can almost
hear a sitar playing along. An interestingly beautiful up tempo piece.
TRACK #12 "Close" A beautiful calming song.
TRACK#13 "Wonderwall" A mesmerizing piece that's also quite intense.
It isn't until the track comes to an end and there's silence, that you
realize "wow that was quite powerful".
TRACK #14 "As The Light Begins To Pale" A perfect song to end the CD
with. The title of course is fitting. But I'm talking the song
itself. This song leaves you feeling kind of melancholy. Like somebody
close is leaving and you'll miss them. A bitter sweet happiness. At
the same time you get the feeling of a new
beginning.
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