Custódio Castelo is the world's leading player of the Portuguese guitar, the instrument that helps give the country's fado music its poignant sing. But he's more than a great musician, he's also a remarkable composer, as this album of original work shows. He's accompanied many of the great modern fadistas, but this is primarily an instrumental disc where his talents have real chance to shine (there is one vocal track, "Prece," with Cristina Maria doing the singing honors). His writing evokes places and moods ("Amsterdam" and "Ritos," for instance). Although he's a very evocative player,
Castelo rarely flashes his virtuosity. He does make an exception on "Homenagem a Paredes," where his opening flourish of notes is jaw-droppingly magnificent. His instrument is capable of fine nuances of emotion, and he uses them well, especially for melancholy, but also for a sense of jubilation. It's a remarkable record, eloquent, sophisticated, and yet ineffably rooted in Portugal, a work from a true master. ~ Chris Nickson