Search - Eric Hansen :: Across the Universe: Beatles Journey

Not worth your money!

C. Ursu | New York, NY | 08/06/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I should have known there is something fishy about this CD when I noticed the Amazon folks didn't even bother to write a description of the product. I thought this would be the soundtrack from the movie Accross the Universe. THIS IS AN INSTRUMENTAL version of the Beatles songs and not a particularly good one.

The price is outrageous for what you are getting: subway performance!

I shouldn't blame the musician - I would sell my product and make the money any way I could. To blame are the Amazon folks. They should either write a short review or at least add the preview for people to hear."

A Different Look at Beatles Music

medievalcrusadesbabe | Ohio USA | 12/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the World Beat area, we are presented with traditional flamenco guitarist Eric Hansen doing not so traditional interpretations of classic Beatles tunes.



At first it may not appear that Flamenco can blend with the Beatles, but Mr. Hansen picks some of the best guitar pieces the Beatles had to offer and expertly weaves acoustic guitar in the flamenco style with some of their best loved melodies.



This is traditional Flamenco style guitar playing. Mr. Hansen is well versed in this style, having worked with this classic Spanish style of guitar since the early 90s. He executes this flawlessly, yet brings in his own styling, adding elements of classic rock or a touch a jazz and allowing the styles to blend and speak together. The intricate fingering of notes does not detract in any way from the music, but rather enhances the works, giving the listener something new to listen to rather than a tired performance of the same works again. This gives many of the songs a new life and provides new interest for the listener.



And excellent choice for the opening track that gives the listener the very best combination of both styles is Michelle. This piece was made for acoustic guitar and Mr. Hansen expertly weaves the flamenco style into this piece.



Mr. Hansen successfully interprets such pieces as Strawberry Fields Forever and Fool on the Hill, which lent them to the very intricate style of flamenco very nicely. She's Leaving Home came across surprisingly well, and is an outstanding interpretation on this collection.



Across the Universe was also a real pleaser, as well as Here, There and Everywhere, which is another outstanding track of Mr. Hansen's work.



I enjoyed this very different look at the Beatles, through the eyes of a Flamenco guitarist. I was skeptical at first, but Mr. Hansen shows how easily the forms can be blended. There is a touch of ambience to the work, and it allows the two forms to peacefully co-exist and gives us a very likable and enjoyable performance. I feel the style gave new interest to the works.



If you are a fan of the Beatles, you will love this new look at their music. And those who like contemporary Flamenco guitar will find this very different, but also very agreeable. maf"