The
American Stephen Duros showed an interest in music at an early age and
took keyboard lessons at the age of five. A year later he played the
organ during a talent show. At the age of ten he started performing at
the Yamaha National Keyboard Festival. Today his music is rooted in the traditional sound of flamenco, but Stephen has found his own style. He mixes Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern influences, with hints of jazz, reggae, pop and Arabic music, without forgetting the gypsy rumba of flamenco.
Stephen toured with Ottmar Liebert between 2006 and 2009 and can be heard on his album 'The Scent of Light'. He has already released three solo albums himself, and was previously part of Lawson Rollins band.
Now his new album has arrived here, which is themed to New York City. On certain tracks you can hear percussionist Lenny Castro, drummer Larry Crowe, bassist Ken Freeman and horn player Mary Fettig. It has become a very personal album and contains all the memories Stephen experienced during a tour in NYC. He wrote all the tracks himself, and plays electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and bass.
The "feel good" track 'Manhattan Nights' is the opener, after which the flamenco resounds on 'It's Electric/City Lights'. 'Bittersweet/City Rain' is a quiet and beautiful track, and 'Electric Communication' leans towards fusion. This track comes back again at the end in the “sessions version”.
Life starts gently in 'Sunrise in the City', after which 'Heat of the Rhythm' goes into full swing. The romantic 'With You' is the next track, and on 'Saturday Night in New York City' you can hear the rhythmic pulse of that metropolis. Then it's time for a rest with 'Midnight in Manhattan'. Finally, you will travel on the tones of 'Westbound Traveler New York to Los Angeles' and leave The Big Apple.
A beautiful album that balances on the border between smooth jazz and fusion. Recommended to guitar fans!
Tracks:
It’s Electric/City Lights
Bittersweet/City Rain
Electric Communication
Sunrise in the City
Heat of the Rhythm
With You
Saturday Night in New York City
Midnight in Manhattan
Electric Communication (Sessions version)
Westbound Traveler New York to Los Angeles
Stephen Duros