Carlos Nunez: One of the worlds pre-eminent pipers
02/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw Carlos in concert with the Chieftains in Richmond VA last year, and was absolutly mesmerized. I immediatly added "Brotherhood of Stars" to my (complete) Chieftains collection. Carlos has collaborated on several of the Chieftains CDs, (he is sometimes referred to as the seventh Chieftain). If you are a Celtic music fan, or a Chieftains fan, (or a fan of pipe music in general) then you owe yourself the pleasure of hearing Carlos Nunez's "Brotherhood of Stars", it is truly amazing. Additionally, give Carlos's participation on the Chieftains "Santiago" a listen, I promise you will be completly taken by the mixture of the gaita and uillean pipes, pure listening magic."
Nuņez breathes new life into the celtic music of Galicia
02/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Carlos Nuñez demonstrates his skills in this enjoyable album of contemporary Galician music. He is considered in Galicia the best gaitero (Galician bagpiper) in the world, and he showcases his talents using the gaita and also the recorder. His abilities on the Galician bagpipe (gaita) are remarkable, and the sweet melodies are quite moving. "The Brotherhood of the Stars" should not be held as an album of typical Galician folk music. There are however wonderful tracks which do exibit beautifully performed examples of Galicia folk culture (especially Negra Sombra, Os Gaiteiros da Noite, and Cantigas). Definitely a must-buy. Notable as well for the collaborations with many prominent world musicians, including Luz Casal, Dulce Pontes, Kepa Junkera, The Chieftans, Ry Cooder, Wenceslao "Polo" Cabezas, and many more."
Brilliant
11/09/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I purchased this CD at the recommendation of my Spanish friends in Madrid -- they said it was their favorite; it has since become mine. The music recreates an authentic Galician atmosphere - especially track four Negra Sombra -- the voice of Luz Casal deserves to be heard.Hearing the gaita played is an auditory experience (it is closely related to the Scottish bagpipes but sounds less strident) and the rest of the wind instruments are superb! Talk about dexterity.This added to a mixed Spanish / Celtic sound (the Celts stopped in Galicia on their way to wherever they finally ended) makes this a wonderful CD that will delight anyone adventurous enough to give it a chance."
Superb music
Lisa S. Murphy | Novato, CA USA | 03/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I fell in love with one of these songs included in a Celtic collection and the album has more than lived up to my high expectations. The range of musical styles and virtuousity of this musician is staggering. It's one of my all-time favorite albums. The songs are all traditional, but "tradition" does not equal "stale and lifeless"; Nunez respects tradition enough to give it new life. Highly recommended. I'm eagerly waiting for more from him."