The backstory to the new album titled Long Ago by Bert Lams (California Guitar Trio) and Italian guitarist Fabio Mittino is an interesting one. A long time ago (early 1900s) Russian philosopher George Ivanovich Gurdjieff had a knack for remembering songs. As he traveled in Asia and the Middle East he heard hundreds of pieces, mostly religious and folk music. Many years later he hooked up with Russian composer Thomas De Hartmann and recorded more than three hundred pieces, based upon the songs he heard in his travels years earlier. Fast forward to present day and the meeting of Lams and Mittino who were first introduced to each other in 1998 by none other than Robert Fripp.
Long Ago is based upon the music of Gurdjieff-de Hartmann. For the album the duo used vintage acoustic guitars from the '30s which I presume gives a more accurate depiction of the music found within. Kurdish, Armenian, Hindu and Arabic melodies are represented here, all played quite beautifully. The tunes are short with none over the four minute mark. The soundscapes are gentle and fluid with only two guitars so the music has a minimalistic feel and their sense of space is exceptional. There is a nice flow to the album which is impeccably played by two guitarists who clearly have a passion for their craft. The notes are clear and concise and the melodies always just an arpeggio or two away. The arrangements are truly impeccable; there is no doubting the artist's respect for this project.
For fans of acoustic guitar of a more gentle nature you cannot go wrong with Long Ago. An independent release so by all means show your support.
Track Listing:
1. Hindu Melody
2. Prayer Of Gratitude
3. Armenian Song
4. Long Ago In Mikhailov
5. Meditation
6. Movement 9
7. Carpet Weaving
8. Kurd Melody
9. For Mr Gurdjieff's Wife
10. Sayyid Dance
11. Song Of The Fisherwomen
12. Mazurka
13. Movement 13
14. Orthodox Hymn For A Midnight Service
15. Mamasha
16. Allegretto
17. Sayyid Chant And Dance Nr 29
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The backstory to the new album titled Long Ago by Bert Lams (California Guitar Trio) and Italian guitarist Fabio Mittino is an interesting one. A long time ago (early 1900s) Russian philosopher George Ivanovich Gurdjieff had a knack for remembering songs. As he traveled in Asia and the Middle East he heard hundreds of pieces, mostly religious and folk music. Many years later he hooked up with Russian composer Thomas De Hartmann and recorded more than three hundred pieces, based upon the songs he heard in his travels years earlier. Fast forward to present day and the meeting of Lams and Mittino who were first introduced to each other in 1998 by none other than Robert Fripp.
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