I’m a little embarrassed to admit that until recently, I had never listened to Joe Cano. I know, I know. He’s a living legend with an international audience and a huge amount of original work under his belt. I don’t have a good excuse, besides the fact that I just wasn’t exposed to his music.
So, when I saw his Best Of album sitting on my desk, I wasn’t jumping for joy. Now, if I had found the latest Billy Ray Cyrus, Nine Inch Nails or a miraculous new album by the late-great Soundgarden, I would have been pulling a Tom Cruise–dancing a little jig on the office couch.
After listening to Best Of, I was pleasantly surprised. Cano has found himself another devoted fan.
It’s been a while since I have heard a guitar with a real voice. See, I spent many years living with a solo guitarist. Over the years, I came to really appreciate the fact that a guitar can tell a story. In fact, it speaks. Like most good art, the human behind the instrument is just kind of a channel through which the universe expresses some kind of greater message. Okay, that was dramatic, but musicians usually are.
Cano is a master of the Spanish guitar. His instrumental music grabs you, pulls you in and tells you a story. Some of his stories are about heartache and love lost. Some are adventure stories while others are playful tales. Cano’s music is seductive and rich while remaining deceptively easy to listen to. It’s timeless.
My favorite tracks on the album are: “Kitty Cat Walk,” which makes me want to wear fluffy spike heels and prance around; “Lost Whale,” a haunting piece; “Summer in D Minor,” which sports an awesome funky rhythm; and “My Little Bubacito,” which I feel has a provocative sound that makes me think of Angelina Jolie in a saucy flamenco dress.
Best Of would be a great soundtrack for an end-of-summer get together. I’m picturing a lot of red wine, some dancing, talk story, and making out. Mui caliente.
For more information on Joe Cano or to purchase the album, visit www.joecano.com. MTW
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