In his music Kitchener-Waterloo guitarist Kevin Ramessar hears “the invitation of the Dancer, calling me ever closer into a dance with Him…” This disc is Ramessar’s own invitation to join him in that dance. But do not expect Bacchanalian excesses here: though the playing is often passionate, it is always restrained – beautifully contemplative most times, if unduly reticent at others. Ramessar’s debut CD offers a selection of less familiar works by well-known composers complemented by improvisations of his own. His quiet approach works well for the Bach Prelude, Fugue, & Allegro, BWV 998, which is measured out elegantly. Ramessar’s subtleties do not, however, quite match the flamboyancy of Albéniz’s Sevilla. This is simply an issue of scale: Ramessar’s technique is impressive; one only wishes he could have been more bold in his interpretative choices. His temperament better suits the dreaminess of El Decameron Negro, the heart of this album. The middle section of Brouwer’s triptych suggests the name of the disc, and Ramessar recreates its “echoes” beautifully. The closing improvisations are both lyrical – not too adventuresome harmonically – but dancelike (“Joy go with my love”) or driven (“Improvis”). The intimacy of Ramesser’s playing is captured by the close miking and ambient recorded sound. Obviously this is a very personal project for the talented guitarist – it’s as if Ramessar were inviting the listener to simply stop and admire the music’s (and his) many nuances. Echoes is an evocative album that deserves such attention. Kevin McMillan Concert
note: Kevin Ramessar performs at Glenn Gould
Studio Thursday, October 17 at noon in CBC Radio's Music Around Us
Young Artists Series. Wholenote Magazine, October 2002 |
