Review and More

Our Review

Simply stunning and somewhat Spanish! Jeff Barlow certainly knows his way around a guitar, and Adornos is the strikingly lovely result. The album's title is Spanish for "adornments," which means things that adorn or beautify. In this case, the name is perfectly appropriate! And the multi-talented Mr. Barlow does it all on Adornos--from performing and recording to mixing and even the graphic design.

This delightful holiday CD is all about the acoustic guitar. In particular, Barlow presents a dramatic flamenco influence that separates this instrumental disc from others of its type. Flamenco is an exciting Spanish folk art, and the term references both a dance and a style of music. You can probably picture the vigorous flamenco of Andalusian gypsies, alive with colorful, swirling shawls and skirts, clattering castanets, stomping dance shoes, and a thumping cajón (box-drum). Although I am far from an expert, the flamenco guitar technique seems incredibly complex, with flying finger movements and densely-layered melodies and harmonies.

You need not, however, be a die-hard flamenco fanatic to love Adornos. The flamenco aspect adds a unique twist to the gorgeous acoustic guitar, and anyone who enjoys great guitar music will get a kick out of this holiday offering. The 12 tracks here consist of eight well-known offerings ("God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Silent Night" appear with two versions) and two Barlow originals. The guitar playing is sophisticated, yet warmly intimate, and most songs include an underlying percussive beat.

The numbers blend vivid flamenco flavors with smoother classical/folk-type guitar styles. The hybrid mix is magnificent, and Barlow is at the center. The artist's own songs, "Prelude" and "Snowfall," probably reflect the strongest Spanish influence of the group; they are intensely lyrical, and "Snowfall" successfully creates the swirling sensation of wind-driven flakes. Every track is well-crafted; I especially enjoyed the gentle "Little Drummer Boy" and Barlow's complex "Silent Night" (the first version, although both versions are terrific).

Adornos will adorn your holiday season with great guitar. It's pluckin' perfection!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

More

From the liner notes:

Guitars, recording, mixing, and graphic design by Jeff Pike Barlow.
Mastering by Steve Trembley at 7th Fret Studios.

About Adornos:

Adornos is a compilation of acoustic Christmas guitar music. If you like classical guitar music, flamenco guitar music, fingerstyle guitar, instrumental or acoustic Christmas music, then I think you will enjoy this cd. "Prelude" and "Snowfall" are original compositions. The rest are Christmas standards.

Jeff Pike Barlow

Adornos

Artist link

Track List