Heartplay

Album review

Though Italian guitarist and composer Antonio Forcione has been hailed as "the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar" and has been favorably compared to the brilliantly versatile Tommy Emmanuel, his work on this low-key, intimate dual date is for the most part more thoughtful, reflective and subdued. That's not to say it's not inspired. It's simply not designed to overwhelm. His opening compositions "Anna" and "If..." are sweet, soulful, and gracefully romantic, with legendary bassist Charlie Haden providing sensual accompaniment. Haden's three compositions range from the more rhythmic and lively "La Pasionaria" (on which the bassist all but dares Forcione to keep up via an increasingly inventive, swaying melody) to the moody "Silence" and the haunting, experimental "For Turiya," which features lengthy bass soloing that runs from subtle to thunderous. The lone outside tune is Fred Hersch's wistful "Child's Play," on which the tandem play an interesting, point-counterpoint melody-rhythm line. While well played and intricately performed, this type of date, focused more on craft than any sustainable energy, is best enjoyed by die-hard fans of the two artists.
© Jonathan Widran /TiVo