MARC ANTOINE
Mediterraneo (Rendevous)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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A casual listen to French guitarist Marc Antoine's Rendevous debut offers a smooth jazz gloss that seems more conducive to a background for white wine and conversation than for a serious headset musical exploration. In fact, it works just fine on that surface level, but it really does deserve its share of more serious attention as well, both for an appreciation of Antoine's considerable technical facility and in order to reveal a level of emotional depth in his approach that's somewhat hidden in the arrangements.

Antoine moved beyond his classical training to absorb flamenco, Gypsy and jazz influences, and he brings all of that to bear among these eleven tracks, ten of which are Antoine originals. It just happens that those are among four of the hardest genres to master on the guitar, and Antoine is a genuine master of each. With instant surface accessibility, impressive technique and revealing levels of Mediterranean soul, he's produced a gem of an album.

Track List:

Cubanova * Funky Picante * Mediterraneo * Preludio * Castellana Hood * Afromenco * Senor Groove * Gotham * Lady * Gringo * Alejandro's Lullaby

© 2004 - Shaun Dale