Guitar quartets have sprung up all around the world, and this one is now based not in New Mexico but in Santa Fe, Argentina. Their repertory ranges from baroque works to modern tangos by Piazzolla. Naturally they are committed to works of Latin American music of all types. The quartet is made up of two Argentines and two Americans, and they have been touring internationally since 1989. Their program on this disc differs greatly from the usual guitar program, including works of three composers: Paquito D’Rivera, Marcelo Coronel and Astor Piazzolla. Jazzman Rivera has penned a lovely three-movement suite titled Tres Danzas Latinamericanos. The three short pieces by Coronel are titled Three Pieces of Argentine Folklore – basically dances with contrasting nostalgic and furious rhythms and melodies.
The Piazzolla four pieces come under the title Four Buenos Aires Seasons. Traces of a Vivaldi influences are heard in this work, especially in the last of the four movements. Sonics are excellent thruout and the four guitarists are clearly arrayed in front of the stereo soundstage.
TrackList: PAQUITO D’RIVERA: Tres Danzas Latinoamericanos; MARCELO CORONEL: Tres Piezas Folkloricas Argentinas; PIAZZOLLA: Las coutro estaciounes portenas.
– John Sunier