Affinity
Zoho, 2020
8/10
Sharon Isbin had had quite a prolific year, as Affinity is her 2nd album so far. On this installment, Isbin delivers new works for guitar written by 4 esteemed composers, and in her typical fashion, she puts her inimitable skills to the songs that resonate with beauty, grace and playfulness.
“Affinity: Concerto For Guitar & Orchestra” starts the listen with sweeping strings as incredible guitar playing from Isbin unfolds with precision and timelessness that almost takes on a cinematic quality with jazz sensibilities, and “El Arpa del Guerrero” follows with acrobatic prowess that retreats to calm with plenty of emotive spirit.
In the middle, “Balada de la Doncella Enamorarda” is not short on melody in its hypnotic delivery, while “Waltz No. 3 Natalia”, with Colin Davin, picks up the pace into a swift display of dance friendly dynamics in its two guitar arrangement.
Near the end, “This Night Of Love…” is a brief, romantic excursion into operatic vocals as Isabel Leonard contributes her powerful pipes, and “Your Beauty…” is certainly pretty, as Leonard’s vocals flow well with the sublime strumming.
Isbin’s healthy back catalog includes 30+ albums and nearly a million copies sold. Now with a pair of stunning albums in 2020, the multiple Grammy Winner again solidifies why she’s so globally revered for her craft.
Travels well with: Sharon Isbin- Strings For Peace; Craig Ogden- Summer Guitar