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“Cuentos de Chacarera” begins the set with a piece that is both upbeat and somewhat mysterious. A variety of musical influences and styles can be heard from the very first notes, as can Hurtado’s mastery of the instrument. “Para Amanda” is as gentle and sweet as a spring breeze. “Para Mi Amigo” feels like an intimate and tender conversation with a very close friend, speaking without reservations and from the heart. “Agua Dulce” flows gently and freely with occasional sparkles dancing on the water. “Spanish Heart” has a flamenco influence, but the passions here smolder rather than bursting into flame. “Ayahuasca” has some fascinating rhythmic patterns and almost sounds like two or three guitarists playing together - very beautiful and deeply emotional. “Rayito de Sol” is as warm and soothing as the sunshine it depicts. “Un Adios” is a brief but very meaningful “goodbye.””
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author: Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano
“With just a solo nylon string guitar, no accompaniment, Mr. Hurtado conjures up a selection of wonderful vignettes harking back to his Peruvian homeland. What you have is a mixture of idioms: Latin American, Latin-jazz, and traditional folk. One can understand why Guitar legend Ry Cooder is a fan. It is easy to forget how beautiful the acoustic guitar sounds without all the electronic fripperies that most musicians use today - and dare one say, rely on. But I suggest you try the gorgeous Para Amanda as an example, or the opening track Cuentos de Chacarera to hear what I mean. I suppose if I was a guitarist myself I could describe in more scholarly language just how good Guitarrista is, but really all I can say is if you love acoustic guitar music then buy this album. ”
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The Borderline Review
“Nothing suits me better than a (musical) "change of pace"... though this is (U.S.-based) Peruvian guitarist Ciro's 5th solo CD, it's my first listen to his splendid solo guitar - what's most impressive about his nylon-string guitar playing is the variety of moods he plays in... his energy for communicating the joy and beauty of life through these 11 all-original tracks is inspiring and will yield many hours of repeated listens. He's one of the best solo guitarists I've listened to in 2009 and clearly rates my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating. The CD gets an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.92. Rotcod Zzaj
”
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-IMPROVIJAZZATION Nation - Issue # 97-
"Music that ranges from plaintive and bitter sweet to borderline rageful... a genuine find."
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David Silverman , Chicago Tribune
"The melody line transports you to a different world"
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Playboy
"Combines the dexterity and elegance of the Spanish Classicists with the romantic imperative of South America."
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Mark Rowland , Musician Magazine
".. an elegantly polished guitarist, who can evoke flourishes of flamenco or .. jazzy staccato runs .. with consummate ease."
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Richard S. Ginell , Los Angeles Times
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