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Sweden's Experimental Instrumental Rock
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Mikael Hanstroem is a guitarist/composer from Sweden whose demo CD-R, entitled Mind Blowing Band, features eight all-instrumental tracks of rock-based material. Hanstroem's strength is to write simple melodies that are memorable enough to set his compositions apart from the rank-and-file instrumental songs out there. He regards his lead guitar voice as a replacement for the singing that would normally carry the track. Songs such as "Happy Mood" and "Sailing Into Destiny" are strong melodic efforts, reflecting the hard work Hanstroem puts into the writing and recording process. Tracks such as "Late Nite Jazz" and "The Man With The Golden Guitar" reflect Hanstroem's latent fusion influences, as the guitarist delivers music somewhat outside the rock sphere -- a nice bit of variety. Overall, Mind Blowing Band satisfies on many levels -- hopefully Hanstroem will be able to release a full-blown CD sometime in the future, as his compositional gifts strengthen over time.
Mikael considers the roots of his playing style deriving from bands such as Rush, Pink Floyd, Yes, The Police, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. He has played the guitar since the age of fourteen in local bands, mostly rock groups. Today, Mikael is thirty-six and he plays in a big band and in a cover band, playing mostly '60s and '70s music. He has always been interested in music and guitar playing, and has a love for guitars, especially Gibson guitars. Mikael also plays keyboards and bass guitar.
Hanstroem's goal is to put a band together and perform his original music, so he is currently seeking a bass player and a keyboardist.
Contact Information
Mikael Hanstroem
Norregaten 1
275 30 Sjobo
Sweden
E-mail:
Mikael Hanstroem
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Dark Gypsy Flamenco Guitar
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Guitarist Eugenio and his percussionist/manager Laura Martinez submitted a nine song CD-R entitled Ghitano Corazon. Working from a base in Holland, the duo's music is defined by the vibrant rhythms of Spain, the rumbas of Latin America, dark Gypsy flamenco and Latin jazz improvisations. In addition to the original pieces, the album features a blazing flamenco style version of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight Of The Bumblebee". Eugenio has the ability to play clearly executed rapid passages with passion, and each composition has its virtuosic moments. He also is not afraid to mix musical genres -- the song "Reggae" has a Jamaican/Spanish feel, while "Desert Storm" blends flamenco with Middle Eastern scale ideas. This is a talented pair who are doing a fine job expanding the flamenco vocabulary, both live and on record.
Eugenio has been influenced by players such as Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia and John McLaughlin. He has a large original repertoire and much experience in live performance. His live repertoire contains about 250 songs, including the most well known songs of Spain and Latin America. Eugenio has the ability to play guitar using fingerstyle techniques (as in classical and flamenco styles) as well as highly advanced regular picking techniques (as in rock and jazz music). He considers himself a complete lead and rhythm guitar player.
Eugenio is currently looking for anyone who can support his project in any way (studio time, sponsors, promotion, producers, record companies, agents, etc.) He is open to expanding his own show, as well as collaborating with other musicians or guitar players with compatible styles.
Contact Information
Eugenio Guitar Project
Barndesteeg 21
1013 BV Amsterdam
Holland
E-mail:
Eugenio
Web site:
www.duoalegria.nl
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Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
