REVIEW: Steve Stevens, Flamenco A Go-Go (Ark 21)
- Scott Hudson
Steve Stevens has built himself quite an impressive resume over the past two decades. As the resident pyrotechinal guitar wizard for Billy Idol in the 80's, Stevens co-wrote some of their biggest hits including, "White Wedding", "Rebel Yell" and the haunting "Eyes Without A Face".
In addition to his work with Idol, Stevens has appeared with the Thompson Twins at Live Aid, created the controversial "Dirty Diana" with Michael Jackson, won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the Top Gun soundtrack and in the mid-'90's, recorded and toured with Motley Crue front man Vince Neil, to name a few.
However, it was a concert by renowned flamenco-guitar virtuoso Paco De Lucia that would inspire Stevens to explore new musical terrain.
Flamenco A Go-Go is an enhanced CD (which features internet links and live performance video).The record combines Stevens love of traditional flamenco guitar styles and his fascination with state-of-the-art electronics. Although recorded exclusively with a nylon-stringed classical guitar, Stevens was able to digitally alter the sound to make it sound electric on "Letter To A Memory" and "Flamenco A Go-Go."
With its ghostly keyboard intro, "Our Man In Istanbul" quickly establishes itself as an exhilarating, full-tilt race across the countryside with Stevens' dazzling fretwork setting the pace.
On the bouncy "Flamenco A Go-Go", Stevens plays all of the instruments, as he does on most of the record with the exception of the percussive work and the occasional voice.
The Federico Fellini-inspired "Cinecitta" with its beautifully crafted, tasteful guitar lines and atmospheric keyboard is rhythmically brilliant and passionately gut-wrenching.
And then there is "Dementia", Stevens' six and a half minute tour-de-force. A technical free-for-all, "Dementia" begins with subdued, exquisite melodies that soar into a barrage of dizzying, staccato flourishes climaxing into a synthesizer frenzy that would make Keith Emerson grin with approval. This tune has enough intensity to power a small city.
Not to be forgotten are outstanding numbers such as, "Twilight In Your Hands", "Riviera '68" and the cerebral "Feminova" with its opening monologue, "This will twist your head..." It most certainly will!
Flamenco A Go-Go is masterful neo-flamenco record from a performer who doesn't classify himself in that genre. With this record Steve Stevens reveals himself as an artist who knows no bounds; creating a record that is not only technically brilliant, but emotionally intense.
