Multi-Talented Composer / Guitarist / Producer Ian C. Bouras has given birth to a fantastic musical journey which takes you through an exhilarating multi-cultural experience. I could be wrong but the music featured on “Two Sides to Every Sunset.” is mostly categorized as a combination of flamenco, and new age contemporary but is also equal parts fascinating, engaging, challenging, and altogether passionate. The primary instrument in the Guitar played to us by Ian C. Bouras.
URL: https://www.sdmprecords.com/sdmphome.html
Core musician Ian C. Bouras is also backed up by Lee Francis (Bass), Jake Burton (Drums and Percussion). Bouras has created a sublime soundscape which is peppered with infectious Spanish flavors, amazing sounding guitar riffs, and finely sliced up melodies that create an impeccable mixture of music. Music that is invigorating to the mind, body and soul. If anything, it captures the sheer impassioned Spanish vibe that runs through these tracks like it runs through the veins of these musicians. All of this creates a musical environment so compelling and oh so listenable, compatible with virtually any listener. In many ways there are parts of the tracks that feel inspired by Smooth Jazz and World music in general. I say smooth Jazz because most notably in the way that the same pieces use more melodic straight forward movements –more compatible to a mass audience no doubt. Some of this might be categorized as dumbed down Flamenco but it’s impressive nonetheless. I might add much of it is not dumbed down. Let me reiterate that nothing about Bouras is dumbed down, as he is presenting the world their music in the most marketable light. Here we see the best of both worlds – Sooth Jazz for marketability and radio exposure, and World music for all the rest of the spoils. This lets the music go round and round, recognizing that just because we might be hearing similar music on the Smooth Jazz dial, we might not necessarily be hearing it in the same manner as the rest of the format on the station in question.
From the time it takes off with “The Light That Swims in the Darkness (A Bird’s Tale) finds itself drawing you in, and feels as though it might not leave your soul after the music has stopped. Much like a brilliant sunset, but eventually it does indeed begin to fade out, leaving an indescribable feeling of joy, positive residue of the music has been left behind. “Two Sides to Every Sunset” is an album full of hope but its unpredictable and a tad but tragic. The sound shines with cautious optimism about the future. Fretwork is in earnest. Bouras is an impressive guitarist and arranger. At times the songs embody the joy of grit like on “This Lonely Life (A Farewell to Love)” with its gifted sensibilities. Percussion are prominently displayed throughout the album helping to emphasize the Worldly nature of the work. The many different styles and textures on the album are utilized in the best possible fashion. Every piece is strong. “Two Sides to Every Sunset” is an album about the power of hope and faith in life. A comfortable groove defines this artist alongside with a clear nod to the power of confidence and faith in music, playing and the amazing Spanish culture. Need I say more?
Casey Gilck
Purchase Link: https://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/IanCBouras