When two significant artists decide to collaborate and create a joint effort it nearly always creates a buzz within the musical industry. It also creates a significant expectation from the listening public. Needless to say, both the buzz and level of expectation of flamenco guitarist Linstead and flutist Gunn coming together was very high. But does this manifest itself in the final creation of Encanto?

This is not the first time that Linstead and Gunn have merged their artistic sensibilities. Last year, Linstead appeared on three tracks of Gunn’s impressive and well packaged solo album Beyond Grand Canyon though it was limited to performing. Apparently the chemistry was strong enough to warrant ten compositions to create an entire album from these two well respected musicians. Linstead delivers three solo compositions with the best being the moody and mid tempo folksy “Rhyme Of The Ancient Forest”. Meanwhile, Gunn contributes two songs, one of them being the lively title track.

The remainder of the album is a pooling of resources that represent the albums most memorable moments. There are the wistful flutes of Gunn that counter with Linstead’s reserved yet soulful guitar playing on the mid tempo “Morning Star”. One can only imagine the fading of the evening’s last star as the sun slowly but surely rises on the horizon to enlighten the world to face another beautiful day.

However, the most magical moment of the album is the closer “Island Song”. Flighty, breezy and refreshing, the song opens with Linstead’s guitar sounding more like that of a mandolin. Along with Gunn’s danceable “pied piper” approach it is the album’s most distinct song that is instantly enduring. While the previously mentioned tracks are very well executed and enjoyable, repeat listening is necessary to fully enjoy their contents.

Encanto is a most pleasurable album with top notch production and performances that one has come to expect from Johannes Linstead and Nicholas Gunn. The stellar moments do occur when the two amalgamate their ideas but unfortunately, there are not quite enough of these extraordinary moments to make this album abundantly special. Still, there is enough here that would please both Linstead and Gunn fans.

CD available at:
amazon.com
geminisunrecords.com
johanneslinstead.com
nicholasgunn.com

Beyond Grand Canyon
Nicholas Gunn
2006/Gemini Sun Records    
49:20

Nicholas Gunn has been recording his music as far back as 1994 when he released his debut effort Afternoon In Sedona. Focusing on his flute and other variable wind instruments, though commercially viable Gunn has not been as accessible as some of his peers in the genre. This is largely due to the fact that his music is a little more eclectic with a somewhat focus on Native Indian and South American themes. Though he continues this trend with Beyond Grand Canyon he blends his trademark approach with a recording that is his most mainstream effort to date. 

Evidence of the above can be found courtesy of the opening title track that is inspiring and uplifting. The most obvious ingredient is the amazing full production that your ears will be exposed to. The album makes no mention of a full orchestra thus one can only suspect that the recording used multi layers of keyboards and wind instrumentation. However, the song does credit the presence of the first lady of violin, Karen Biggs, well known for breathtaking performances with Yanni. Hearing her restrained yet exhilarating duet with Gunn’s flute is inspiring and complimented by his vocal chants. Equally as stirring is the more reflective and mellow meanderings of Gunn’s flute work on “Bridal Falls.” The same can be said for the mid tempo “Sentinel Of Eden”.

Otherwise, Nicholas continues to provide his listeners with exotic Native Indian and South American influences that can be found on the likes of the lazy “Elves’ Chasm”, the rhythmic “Jurassic Point” and “Sunkissed” that all feature label mate Johannes Linstead on guitar. Speaking of the label, Gemini Sun Records, Nicholas Gunn is the founder and CEO of this relatively new label that is attracting several big names such as Johannes Linstead, 2002 and most recently David Arkenstone. Considering the current inactivity of Narada, the emergence of this label is essential to the continued growth and survival of this genre.

Beyond Grand Canyon also represents the debut of the Audio Visual Connect Series that includes a bonus DVD that integrates Gunn’s music with the stunning photography of Michael Fatali creating a majestic audio and visual delight. In addition, this labor of love includes three additional tracks from Nicholas’ earlier recording “Breathe”. Along with insightful interviews with both the musician and the photographer, the DVD not only perks up the ears but also exposes our eyes to the majesty of the Grand Canyon and beyond.

CD available at:
amazon.com
geminisunrecords.com
nicholasgunn.com