Search - Raphael Rabello :: Cry, My Guitar

Extraordinary Brazilian guitar

twangmon | Nashville, TN USA | 05/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great Brazilian guitarists meld a jazzbo's grasp of syncopated rhythms and sophisticated harmonies with a classical guitarist's ability to juggle bass, chords, and melody. Raphael Rabello, who died in 1995 at the age of 33, was considered by many aficionados to be one of the finest Brazilian guitarists of his generation. Rabello recorded the 13 solo guitar pieces on Cry, My Guitar in two afternoon sessions in the fall of '94, and these turned out to be his last. The music, which remained unheard until now, has a fiery, spontaneous feel that owes as much to flamenco as it does jazz. In addition to a handful of originals, Rabello tackles compositions by Baden Powell, Laurindo Almeida, and other Brazilian greats. Rabello's fingerstyle arrangements have a restless, passionate intensity born of choro-a fast-paced music combining African rhythms and Portuguese melodies that emerged in Brazil in the 1920s. Boasting complex counterpoint, lively tremolo picking, and rippling arpeggios, Cry, My Guitar offers a dynamic, shifting kaleidoscope of nylon-string colors that showcase the guitar's orchestral qualities, while revealing Rabello's formidable chops."

Brilliant Brazilian Virtuoso Violao !!!

Gypsy Guitars | Kula, UpCountry Maui, Hawaii | 10/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow !!! this brilliant recording of Rafael Rabello's solo Brazilian Violao / guitar virtuosity is Awesome !!! the quality of the recording & the mix of the microphones clearly captured this final impressive collection of solo Choro's by one of Brazil's departed masters of the guitar... Rabello was amazing as a fiery interpreter & creator of some of the finest guitar music in this world & this CD is one of the best recorded of his solo CDs... if you love grrreat Brazilian Choro music & virtuoso Brazilian solo guitar / violao, then this CD is essential to your collection as it is one of the finest examples of both the style & the instrument !!! Viva Choro !!! Long Live the recordings of Maestro Rabello !!!"

Rabello's Astonishing Swan Song

James Scott | Fredericksburg, TX USA | 04/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Raphael Rabello's posthumous release of 13 solo finger-styled guitar pieces is nothing short of astonishing. Complex syncopated rhythms, intricate counterpoints, and cascading arpeggiated runs grace each wonderfully crafted composition. The mastery in which this late Brazilian guitarist commanded over his instrument is unparalleled. However, throughout the recording the guitarist never losses focus on the inherent melody and beauty of each piece. Rabello plays much more from his heart rather than simply relying on the dexterity of his fingers. Nowhere is this better heard than on the title piece, "Cry My Guitar," which is a poignant tribute to his hero and close friend, Baden Powell. Throughout his career, Rabello considered himself a nationalist, and was quite contempt with mastering the music of his native heritage. However, with his integration of diverse musical pallets, the artist molded and redefined the parameters of Brazilian music, rather than merely reflecting the rich musical legacy of his peers and predecessors. Throughout the album one hears how effortlessly the guitarist blends Flamenco, Classical, Jazz, and Brazilian styles into his musical vision to create something truly unique and at the same time true to his heritage. Rabello plays each note with such urgency and passion that one can only imagine the contributions he could have made if he had lived. However, this recording will clearly help solidify this extraordinary musician's legacy. Rafael Rabello was not just a guitarist of his own generation, but one whose echoes will be heard for many generations to come.



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