I happened to start this review on a rare rainy day in western Colorado and I was instantly taken away to a warm and welcoming, smooth sand beach. My customary newsroom tension melted away under Gussa’s guitars and I was treated to the best a southern beach can offer – without the worry of sunburn, tourists or any of that smooth sand in the wrong places.
Every song on this CD is lovely and lovingly played. I don’t encounter many CDs that make me feel is if the music is a gift from the artist. Gussa, especially under headphones, creates an intimate getaway without cliche or the usual tourist-trap fare of “location” music.
Track Two, “Welcome to Paradise,” is my favorite song (this listening anyway). I love the layered guitars, which are reminiscent of The Ventures but more beautifully played. Gussa’s music is not an exhibition of how fast he can play – as with too many instrumentalists – his songs are carefully weaved note by note.
Gussa arranged and played all the songs and instruments himself on this “Latin, surf rock, mambo, flamenco” CD. Many artists try this, but few succeed … they usually fail in keeping every instrument sounding fresh and crisp. Each player brings their own fire to their piece, whether it be the lead guitar or the far far back background bongos. Gussa plays each instrument and note is if it was his only concern.
I don’t know what else to say about this CD. I could go on all day. But don’t waste any more time reading this – instead go to: http://www.chrisbriangussa.com/ to learn more and buy the CD. Really.