GERARDO NUNEZ
Calima
(p) & (c) 1998 Alula Records
10tks/53mins

Calima cannot be named a pure flamenco. In the music of Gerardo Nunez presents jazz improvisation, and besides, together with traditional flamenco guitarist uses those styles, which he liked from childhood. Calima contains caribbean rumba (Sancti Petri), african tunes (Sahara), passodoble (this is march, played during corrida, Tabaco y Oro). On the manner of performing and emotional incandescence, I would characterize this album as intermediate between the styles of Paco de Lucia and Jesse Cook.

Gerardo Nunez is considered one of the best and most respectable flamenco guitarists. He perfectly plays guitar. Nunez was honored by flattering responds from many respectable editions, such as for example Guitar Player. Perhaps he was destined to become a guitar player. Gerardo grew up in Jerez de la Frontera, a town in the south of Spain, where is flamenco museum, and the unique Flamencology College. Gerardo studied in this very college. Later, after beginning of his tour career, Nunez played with many famous musicians.

By the way, in the record of Calima, took part a very good company of musicians. I'd like to mention famous guitarists Jorge Strunz, Ardeshir Farah and percussionist Arto Tuncboyaciyan. The title of the album is translated as "heat" - heat of the land, people and music. According to the words of Gerardo, when such musicians as Jorge, Ardeshir and Arto are together, they create something that can be named Calima. The most memorable is the composition, having the same title with the album.

I would like to tell more about Arto Tuncboyaciyan. It was a great surprise for me to hear this incredible musician on Calima. Arto took part in many interesting new age projects. I can mention only his solo album Virgin Land and taking part in Whirling by Omar Faruk Tekbilek. Passionate and inspired music of Tuncboyaciyan is a mixture of Turkish folk melodies, sufi fire dancers and spontaneous improvisation.

For the first part, Calima would be interesting to guitarists and devoted lovers of flamenco. For other listeners it possible could passed unnoticed. And it is a pity, if they would not hear this album, because not often comes a chance to hear the playing of such great guitar masters as Gerardo Nunez.

Serge Kozlovsky