Gino Foti
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Review of "Sphere Of Influence"
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By: Al Garcia
he year 2006 has been a good one for Gino Foti. The prolific bassist/pianist has released
four CDs this year: Orbis Terrarum, Sphere Of Influence, Bhavachakra, and Vedic
Mantras. As the CD titles would seem to imply, Foti draws much of his inspiration
from world music. Middle Eastern influences figure prominently in an eclectic mix of
styles that also includes touches of jazz/rock fusion, flamenco, funk, and rock.
The first piece on Sphere of Influence, "Infinite Realms of Light & Dark", sets the
mood for the rest of the CD. Using samples of hammered and plucked Chinese
instruments together with electric bass and percussion, Foti creates an oriental
musical tapestry. The next piece, "Amor Y Poder", whisks us from the banks of the
Yangtze to the plains of Andalusia. Featuring flamenco guitars and Middle Eastern
percussion, the piece also sports an interesting funk bass synthesizer solo. Other
highlights include the jazzy piano work on "Seafaring Soul", the Middle Eastern funk
groove on "Ouroboros", and the use of sampled American Indian chants on "Prescient
Visions."
If you like music from different cultures and times, let Gino Foti's CDs take you on
an aural world tour. Recommended.
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Al Garcia / Jazz/Rock Fusion Page
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