Search - Tonino Baliardo :: Essences

Worth the Wait

Adele Nagy-Ossa | Welland, Ontario Canada | 07/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tonino, like all genius artists before him, probably will not receive the deserved recognition, or appreciation in his lifetime; and his first solo CD, Essences(in Europe and Canada), will again spark the pointless discussion about pure flamenco and everything else. It is pointless because if flamenco is, at its soul, about duende, and if duende is turning pure emotion into music, then Tonino is a master. Every track on Essences communicates emotion with such subtlety, beauty, and complexity that it is truly a work of genius. The nice thing about Essences too, is that it is also a history lesson which teaches about the music which influenced the rumba-flamenco music in France, and pays hommage to one of France's famous Gipsy guitartists, Django Reinhardt. The track, Gitanito, is so accomplished that even the most die-hard purist would have to ask who is playing, so he could shout out his name. I hope, Tonino, you won't make us wait another 40 years for your next CD; but I know, you and your family have been very busy making us happy."

Gipsy Passion

Efren Diaz | 06/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What more could you say about this man here, Tonino Baliardo, one of the world's finest. In this CD, he goes all out with his lightning fast fingers. Also, known in spanish, "Manitas de Plata", which means hands-of-silver, and he lets you know why in this wonderful CD. If you love the Gipsy Kings, then you'll easily fall in love with this CD. Those of you who are fans already know who Tonino is. He is the lead guitarist for the Gipsy Kings. This CD is another example of why they are one of the world's most popular band. Check it out, you won't be disappointed."

A dream come true for Tonino fans

Efren Diaz | Laurel, MD | 06/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a fan of the Gipsy Kings, chances are you have been mesmerized by Tonino Baliardo's guitar playing. His incredible speed, flawless fingerpicking, and incredible melodies have made the Gipsy Kings who they are today. With the release of "Essences," Tonino has given us an incredible collection of songs. If you are expecting a traditional "flamenco" disc, you will be disappointed. This is a disc of 12 songs that shows Tonino's incredible ability to play everything: from Salsa (Sabroso), to jazz (Manolette), to Gipsy Kings type dance songs (Rumba Caliente & Ritmo Apasionado), to the traditional flamenco "bulerias". There are those out there that were hoping for a follow up to the Gipsy Kings' "Allegria" where the only instrument that is heard is the guitar. If you are one of those people, my advice to you is to go listen to Allegria and stop griping about how this disc is not Allegria 2. Essences is Tonino doing what he does best: playing the guitar passionately. An absolute must have for real guitar fans."