Interactive Poll: The Acoustic Sessions

Mila:  Helge Schneider “Yes No Song”  Upbeat with saxophone and guitar duo to start.  Piano joins in, a piece with quite a sense of humour and two very adept musicians, obviously having quite the fun time, as is the audience.  Bernth “Acoustic vs Electric – Epic Guitar Battle!”  Obviously a fine instrumentalist, first on acoustic guitar, with some accompaniment, then the person switches to electric guitar.  He pairs himself with himself, in different array, to further make the point between the styles.  Level 3 acoustic, fantastic lead, showing the versatility of both player and instrument.  More of a touch style in the electric here.  To me, the acoustic shows up his talent at the instrument more, electric does lend itself to speed like that, but obviously, he’s talented either way you look at it. 

Kees:  L’Attirail “Goosebumps”  Completely different here, I love atmospheric/soundtrack type music.  There is a plaintive beginning here, also a bit of a Western twangy sound, which suits the cover photo.  It gets plinkies and more of the whangy guitar added in, and some accordion.  A feeling of somewhere like Monument Valley is conjured up for me, with coyotes wailing.  Les Madeleines “Que me importa”   Here is more of a chanteuse in a smoky bar feeling, with accordion and oompahs, sultry vocal.  Some kind of reed, or horn instrument adds interest.  Moves from French to Spanish and becomes more so in feel as well. Interesting twist from the beginning. 

Cristi:  Marius Preda Jazz Quartet “Swing 48”  Swing style jazz combo expertly performs with rapid-fire jaw-dropping guitarist.  Unusual to have a hammered dulcimer (or the like) in this kind of music, very cool to see that.  He gets a solo too, extended one, at that, the Wildman!  😊 He also does a scat portion.  The whole band is smokin’ hot.  Ends with a little classical aside.  Mircea Bodolan “Rănitul între linii” Much more laid back, lovely sonorous male vocal and acoustic guitar begins, some echo on the voice, but beautiful, sounds like a lullaby, perhaps, or a reflective tune. Lovely. Nicu Alifantis “Emotie de toamna”  Sort of in the middle of the previous two, in pacing.  This is lighthearted feeling, with lilting flute and another smooth male vocalist.  Pretty, heavenly-sounding female chorus toward the end.Enjoyed all three, but your centerpiece is my fave here.