(Published by Zocalo Magazine on July 8, 2015.) “He was laying there (in the hospital) and he told me, ‘All the songs are written, we don’t write the songs. We listen and we communicate the songs,’ which is something I’ve always believed.” Singer/songwriter/guitarist Carlos Arzate is speaking with depth and sincerity while relating a conversation he had with dearly departed Tucson musician Cyril Barrett last year, before cancer whisked Barrett’s life from his body. “I’ve always … [Read more...]
Copper & Congress’ “Fault Line”
(Published by Zocalo Magazine on September 12, 2014.) Vocals by a siren/oracle, a perfect balance of bass and understated drumming comprise Copper and Congress’ sound and the trio of amazing musicians conjure magic on Fault Line. There’s glorious, haunting sparseness – a sparseness that is just one element constituting the album’s many auditory seductions. There’s exquisite, measured tension and release that teeters and edges and splashes and dives into soulful, jazzy bliss. The moody … [Read more...]
Sweet Ghosts’ “Certain Truths”
(Published by Zocalo Magazine on April 2, 2014.) Transcendent and ethereal are not adjectives to be taken lightly, but such descriptions of this gloriously heart-wrenching debut release are more than apropos. The 10-track album features poetic storytelling, presenting evocative slices of life that put the listener into the thick of alternately uncomfortable and uplifting tales. The lulling songs are reflective, haunting; there’s lightness to the depth, a deft touch that features spaces … [Read more...]
Tesoro: Live in Studio 2A
(Published by Zocalo Magazine on July 2, 2011.) Resistance is futile, the songs are too bewitching. The album, recorded at KXCI 91.3FM, consists of gorgeous notes adroitly composed and negotiated, sauntering from the enticing seduction of flamenco to jazz sensibilities. Tesoro calls it Flamenco Fusion. I dig that they fused in Tool’s “Forty-Six & 2” along with saluting Paco de Lucia, Chris Burton Jácome and Tito Puente. It’s been over five years since Tesoro issued a disc, and the … [Read more...]
Metal Rhythms & Spanish Beats
(Published by Zocalo Magazine on Dec. 1, 2010.) Domingo DeGrazia is buttoned down at this lunch interview, but the visual belies a multifaceted character that cannot be defined by shirt-and-tie attire. Attorney by day, Spanish guitarist by night, DeGrazia is a man with passions of robust depth and breadth which translate to his performances. Live shows are utterly captivating – gorgeous notes by his band of adept musicians fly deftly about. DeGrazia’s style culls from many eclectic … [Read more...]