Brendan Evans’ debut album ‘Tiento’ is an intriguing showcase for his flawless technique on classical guitar.
Based in Rockport, Massachusetts, Brendan Evans possesses an enviable record of guitar festival awards and international travel. Though Tiento is his debut album, it is a wholly realized and satisfying recording that makes one wonder why there haven’t been several more.
With an intriguing choice of repertoire, this is music that will not please classical guitar fans, but those with any interest in compositions of variety and musical purity, regardless of instrument. A primary reason for this is that Evans has steered clear of the over-played and too-familiar guitar pieces, with perhaps the exception of the well known “Zapatadeo”. Here his technique is both sparkling and flawless.
Tiento features work by works by Francesco da Milano, Eduardo Sainz de la Maza, Joaquín Nin-Culmell, Regino Sainz de la Maza, Antonio Lauro, Maurice Ohana, and Dusan Bogdanovic. The compositions vary in approach: a Renaissance feel, a flamenco passion, a South American aura, and a thoroughly contemporary title tune “Tiento” display both an eclectic talent and a capacity to reveal all that the classical guitar contains. The final cut on the album “Mysterious Habits” delivers everything the title suggests.
In the hands of Brendan Evans, the classical guitar truly is the legendary “orchestra in miniature” for his ability to deliver a variety of tone, mood and texture.
Highly recommended.
