Canadien composer Michel
Cusson has constructed a masterpiece in world music on his Camino
album. If you are a follower of world music, you will surely want
to add this CD to your collection. If you are not familiar with
world music, you should check out this CD to see what it is all
about. Cusson has pulled an amazing array of styles together into
this diverse, eclectic collage of internationally flavored
compositions. Though the composition is without a doubt the forte
and focal point of the effort, the multi-faceted instrumentation
is superb in its realization of the extraordinarily well
conceived musical vision. The combination of distinctive
instruments that are seamlessly integrated into a coherent tonal
tapestry that beautifully articulate and accentuate the many
widely varying musical styles that are covered. The command that
Cusson's composition demonstrates over these many international
styles is staggering when considering the details and nuances
that he has not only captured in the composition, but also in the
execution. Cusson covers many diverse styles with the
effectiveness of masters dedicated to any one of the specific
genres.
Camino
is an instrumental effort that uses Cusson's inventive
arrangements to showcase some finely phrased technicianry among a
host of instruments tactfully played by Cusson and other players.
Though the music has a mellow, deeply felt center, there are also
some lively and more aggressive sections that compliment the more
beguiling sections. In addition to his broadly scoped coverage of
widely varying styles, Cusson shows a great skill for mixing up
the rhythms, dynamics, harmonies, melodies, and voicings, as well.
The level of musical insight and knowledge demonstrated by Cusson
on Camino is truly
impressive, especially when considering the easily accessible
content that he delivers his unending creativity. This album
clearly distinguishes Cusson as a great composer of modern music.
Cusson is not constrained by any inhibitions of conventional
musical boundaries and the end result is fantastic.
Cusson's compositions
sweep across the styles of various traditional and modern genres
with the seamless ease of a summer wind blowing across the
nations of the world through time as though it were absorbing and
carrying the music from each nation as it passed. The application
of different instruments to accentuate cultural voicings on Camino
is profound to behold. Cusson even disarms any skepticism
listeners might have pertaining to the accordian that he deploys
with amazing effect. Cusson's artful application of the accordian
single-handedly changed my entire perspective on that instrument.
Though it is not
altogether bereft of frenzied fret scaling, don't expect a lot of
speedy guitar work on this album because that is not the intent
the composer Michel Cusson. But, do come prepared to listen to
some superb arrangements that bring the meta-genre of world music
to light. And, if you are a fan of exotic, flavorful music with
complex yet accessible musical composition, do check this one out.
Camino is a highly enjoyable album that spans a wide breadth of
styles and emotions with subtle precision.
Guitar |
Michel Cusson |
Bass |
Eric Auclair |
Drums |
Luc Boivin, Mark Kelso |
Flutes / Sax |
Michel Dubeau |
Keyboards |
Stephan Monanaro |
Vocals |
Francine Poitras |
1) Haifa |
2) Casino |
3) Iana |
4) Camino |
5) DQ Soli |
6) Irish Frog Dance |
7) Clair Obscur |
8) Magyar Tyuk |
9) Loser |
~ Christopher
Ruel ~ www.ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris@ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris Ruel's Monthly Spotlight

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