Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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This is the stirring debut of one of the worldbeat-meets-new age world's top young acoustic guitarists. Johannes Linstead's gift of blending cool rhythms with spicy, lightning-fast flamenco improvisations is further explored on later albums, but his journey begins here on the fiery "Mountain Mist." While his guitar – which blends the best of traditional and contemporary South American melodies and Latin rhythms – is always the focus, he also enjoys sharing the spotlight on occasion. On that same track, he's content to move from lead melody to a rhythm role behind the dancing flute of Anja Arvo. Then he's working his magic over the rumbling percussion of Gino Mirizio. Mood and ambience are also an important part of Linstead's world, and he follows the frenetic pace of the opener and breezy "The Temple at Delphi" with the swaying romance of "Don Juan" and "Gypsy Rain." "Mi Angel" is perhaps the best example of the deep emotions Linstead can tap into when he's deep in the mode of dreaming and contemplation.

Allmusic

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Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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The popular worldbeat/new age acoustic guitarist Johannes Linstead continues his journey through a groovin' pop flamenco-land on this second release. He's mining the same territory as he did on his debut, Sol Luna Tierra, but with slightly more aggression on the up-tempo tracks and more elegant ambience and texture on the romantic pieces. He also adds the piano and bouzouki to his impressive multi-instrumentalist resume. A relentless, joyful thump drives the sexy, seductive "Mezza Luna," which rolls aggressively along a path charted by Linstead's guitar but full of spirited acoustic piano flashes, also played by Linstead. "La Serpiente" is as sly as its title promises, opening with hypnotic solo guitar that is then joined by a full rhythm section and then, in spots, a synth orchestra for dramatic effect. "Road to Marrakesh" finds him exploring even more exotica than usual, while "Kiss the Earth" is a sweet meditation full of unusual percussion lines and cool sonic effects. Alla Kadysh adds haunting vocalizations to a few tracks, including the dreamy "Savannah," which has the impact of calling a wayward lover home.

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Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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The opening title track of this fine and varied pop flamenco collection would be brilliant if not for one thing – you could swear you were listening to an outtake from any recent album by rumba flamenco master Jesse Cook. That's a compliment in a way, because it's wild, energetic, and generally much more absorbing than the most popular of the new flamenco gods, Ottmar Liebert. All that said, Linstead tries some unique things that Cook rarely does. He plucks and swings over a sizzling horn section and the occasional trumpet shout on "Mango." His graceful guitar dances with Vasyl Popadoiouk's seductive violin and Linstead's own tasty piano harmonies on "A Mi Guitarra." And he goes a bit folksy in a duet with the wordless vocals of Alla Kadysh on "Suenos En Tus Ojos." The intro to "A Mi Muerte" is like a wild chops contest between guitar and violin; the song then settles into a gentle melancholy tenderness. The clear objective is no doubt to be inspired by the harmonic possibilities of these other instruments, and Linstead eventually carves his own niche in the genre by doing just that. He's also a beautiful balladeer, as the lush "Ilusion" bears out.

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Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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While his name is nowhere near as popular as that of Ottmar Liebert, or even Jesse Cook, Johannes Linstead keeps the flamenco tradition very much a force in modern world and new age music by combining traditional fingerstyling with fanciful modern groove ideas. And of course, a sense of melodic seduction that grabs on and can't be shaken. He's pictured on the CD cover holding an acoustic guitar, but his sense of sonic architecture extends to a multitude of instruments (piano, keys, mandolin, wood flute) and arrangement and production. To achieve his overall vision, he thus draws from a wide palette of textures. The title of the recording means "shakeup," which begins with the jubilant and brassy "La Cabanita en la Playa" – a tune blending precise, speedy fingerstyling with rhythm guitar accompaniment, and jumpy piano chords topped with the mariachi trumpet fire of Alexis Baro. Before you start dancing too quickly, however, Linstead simmers down for the seductive sway of "Cielo Azul." The sensual, horn-drenched "Guayabera" perfectly captures his desire to blend traditional and modern styles; the tune blends classic picking and brass licks with a Santana-esque rock foundation. The gentle "Eleni" reflects the genuine romantic in Linstead's soul, while the two-part "Echoes of the Forest" mixes meditational atmospheres with a little of the Liebert influence. Beautifully written, and excitingly performed and played, this disc summarizes all there is to love about modern flamenco.

Allmusic

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Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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There's no denying the fact that Johannes Linstead is a superb guitarist with excellent dexterity. And on the basis of "Motika," he's also an accomplished pianist, with a feel for Cuban rhythm. Add to that the taste to surround himself with players of a similar caliber, especially violinist Vasyl Popadiouk, who shines on the opener, "Andalucia," and the technical quality of Linstead's fifth CD is assured. There's certainly a warm, lush feel to the disc, with guitar front and center, exactly as it should be. The downside – if, indeed, it is a drawback – is the album's lightness. It glistens on the surface with a Mediterranean sheen, but there's little depth under that. And that's what ultimately makes it a less than satisfying listening experience. As the background to dinner or conversation, it's fine. But to listen in greater depth, though pleasant the first time, offers little beyond that; not a record that stands up to repeated listenings.

Allmusic

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Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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"Cafe Tropical" is an ocean breeze on a sun-filled day, or a night dance beneath a starlit sky. The sixth album by award winning guitarist Johannes Linstead, "Cafe Tropical" features musicians from around the world - including Cuba, Venezuela, and Greece, bringing a taste of the tropics to your ears! Linstead, principally playing Spanish guitar (plus keyboards and assorted percussion with contributions from many other instrumentalists) is an agile guitarist and melodically inspred composer who tones down flamenco's most incendiary tendencies just enough to create memorable melodies suitable for repeated listening.

Guitar Nine

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Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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For me this CD is, simply put, yet another jewel in Johannes Linstead's crown. The collaboration with flautist Nicholas Gunn has given birth to ten beautiful new tracks that effortlessly evoke different moods and places from the laid back and lovely (Costa De La Luz) to the playful (Island Song) to the firey (Encanto, Terre De Oro). To me, Ocaso and Rhyme of the Ancient Forest feel and sound distinctly Peruvian while Island Song has a Calypso feel, and Magic City evokes a Middle Eastern feel.

The title track, Encanto, captures the fire of flamenco perfectly, with great keyboard work dancing wonderfully with Johannes' peerless guitar skill. To The Sea feels like the energetic voyage depicted by the title. I love all of the tracks, but my favorite is "Morning Star that alternates beuatifully between a heart-stirring slow opening and a driving middle passage. The dance between fast and slow in this pieece alone makes it worth the purchase of this CD.

While I don't go through the CD track by track as I sometimes do, please rest assured of my fondness for this piece of work. Johannes Linstead has consistently produced beautiful musical jewels, and Encanto is no different in that regard. With Encanto, Johannes Linstead and Nicholas Gunn have cread a truly magical and special CD that you cannot go wrong with. I love this CD, and I cannot wait to hear what Johannes Linstead will bring to us next. God willing, I will love it just as much as I love Encanto, if not more.

Amazon Customer Review

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Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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I loved the new Cd Mistico. In fact I have never been disappointed buying any cd of Johannes Lindstead. If he had a jingle I would want it in my music collection. The guy is just that good. As a musician I am very picky and get bored very easily. I have never been bored listening to Johannes. His music is very challenging and creative. With this Cd I thought would be a bore but wow! It is awesome and I am still enjoying listening to it. I would rate it a 9 being the hightest because his next cd might be better than this one. In fact it probabaly will be. I have most of his cds. I found out about him by accident when I went to the record store. I enjoyed his music so much I ordered and bought his previous cds. I try to keep up when he has a new cd out. I love this guy and his music. I am a fan forever! Wow! Awesome and Amazing! Loved this Cd.

Amazon Customer Review

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Johannes Linstead - Studio albums (9CD, 1999-2012)

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The goal of any musician who likens himself to a gypsy should be to transport listeners to many different geographic and emotional places – and Johannes Linstead, whose exotic global fusion has unfortunately been lumped into the new age category for years – once again delivers an exciting, inspiring, and sometimes even spontaneous ticket to the world. A multiple award winner at several prominent musical events in his native Canada, he draws on his European heritage and a lifetime of travel to bring authenticity to his blend of explosive and sweetly intimate melodies and a wide variety of moods and rhythms. Linstead, who lives part of the year near Toronto and other months in the Dominican Republic, seduces immediately with a cheerful bird soundscape on the intro to "Jungle Love," a lively romp punctuated by crisp, precise acoustic plucking and Nicholas Gunn's wistful pan pipes. Another prominent guest is violinist Vasyl Popadiouk, who adds a wild, dancing element to the exuberant "Noche de la Juerga," and engages in a folksy dialogue while adding harmonic mysticism to the the Django Reinhardt-esque "Bella Bella." Linstead complements his speedy fingerstyling (typified by the wild at heart "Caravan of Desire" with gentler expressions like the reflective "September Remembered." Somewhere in the middle is "Vagabond Stomp," whose sweetly flowing, midtempo guitar melody is backed by the wistful romance of Jordan Abraham's swaying accordion. The focus as always is on Linstead's lead and harmonic guitar lines, but his choice of exotic instruments is noteworthy: udu drum, doumbek, and an array of congas, bongos, and timbales. Overall, another triumphant trip around the world by a guy who never fails to stamp a fascinating passport.

Allmusic