Encore by Roger Scannura CD - AppleJazz Records

Encore
Roger Scannura & Ritmo Flamenco

There are a number of impressive guitarists courageous enough to tackle flamenco. Few are as convincing and awe inspiring as Roger Scannura. Encore is a sampler from each of the Toronto-based Malta native’s four releases. Each, judging by this, must be a stunner, as there is nothing here that qualifies as anything less.

The opening “Burnin’ Up” offers handclaps, dancing (Ritmo Flamenco is a Toronto based Flamenco dance company), violin and bass – at least. Unfortunately, there is no credit given to the accompanying players on the disc. The violinist is especially stunning. The guitarist, it goes without saying, is breathtaking. Through the eight tunes that comprise this delightful disc, feet play a prominent role. As with all authentic flamenco, it is a marriage of the guitar and the dancer.

On the gorgeous ballad of “Marissa,” solo guitar takes center stage, though the robust dancing is never tucked too far into the background. The melodic “Summerwine” is heart wrenchingly beautiful. As on “Marissa,” the dancing is accompanist to the player. “Angelica” is a lilting number that showcases guitar work as fine as I’ve ever heard in any context. Again, with no personnel listing on the insert, the players go un-credited. The electric guitar that fills in here is superb.

The classic sounding “El Ritmo” is filled out with infectious clapping and dancing, and “Colmenares,” with its slinky flute accompaniment, along with the dancers, is hypnotic. The closing “Misterio” again is made the more magical by the addition of the violinist, percussion and dancing. This is a must-have for fans of flamenco music.

- Mark E. Gallo

Musicians:

ROGER SCANNURA guitar
KEVIN SMITH percussion
LAURENCE STEVENSON violin
VALERIA SCANNURA palmas, vocals
also featuring:
ALVARO ORYARCE
KEVIN LALIBERTE
MICHAEL RICCI
TYSON EMANUEL

Record Label: Scannura Records
Catalog # SR622

Produced by Roger Scannura
Recording: Compilation

PRICE: $15

1) BURNIN’ UP 3:39

2) AZULEJOS 6:52

3) MARISSA 6:00

4) SUMMERWINE 3:40

5) ANJELCA 6:12

6) EL RITMO 5:42

7) COLMENARES 4:30

8) MISTERIO 9:45

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