Curtis, Anthony: Lush Life

Anthony Curtis is an American guitarist with a new album titled Lust Life. It was difficult finding information on the artist but I believe this is second album. Although there are no playing credits listed on my review copy it appears this is a one man project. The arrangements are quite sparse and the instrumentation is mainly guitar, both acoustic and electric. Most of the tunes begin with Curtis' pretty acoustic guitar chords but before long background feedback and more fuzzy rhythms and lead work takes the stage. The first two tracks "Free Bird" and "Clover" begin this way. Pretty acoustic melodies and heavier fuzz laden background motifs. Curtis also adds vocals which are quite laid back. He does not have an overly powerful voice but it certainly suits the music. On "White Crane" Curtis pulls out only his acoustic as the arrangement is sparse but oh so beautiful. The lyrics are quite touching as well. With "The Mist" there is a subtle use of keyboards adding a textural layer to go along with the cleanly picked notes and dirtier riffage.

"Cadmean Goddess" is one of my favourite tracks as the guitar arpeggios recall '70s period Cat Stevens.

My main gripe is that after a few tracks the same formula sounds a little repetitive; acoustic intro followed with the addition of fuzz laden riffs. That said, there is no doubt Curtis is a fine player and songwriter as the music is graced with many a fine melody. For those who enjoy acoustic guitar based music and/or fuzzed out electric guitar, Lush Life might be worth checking out.

Track Listing:
1. Free Bird (5:58)
2. Clover (5:43)
3. White Crane (2:46)
4. Mandalay (5:58)
5. The Mist (4:01)
6. Cadmean Goddess (3:57)
7. Khayyam (3:08)
8. Gnossienne No. 5 (5:16)
9. Lush Life (4:38)
10. Dancing Bear (5:31)
11. Another War (3:20)
12. Adagio Assai (3:54)
13. BMV 903 (5:19)

Added: May 21st 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Facebook Page
Hits: 1804
Language: english

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