ulgarian guitarist Dimitar Nalbantov found solace in the recorded works of guitar greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Nalbantov's love of art and music has been cultivated into a career as an art teacher but more importantly to music fans he has found inspiration in the guise of the beloved string instrument the electric guitar. Taking his passion for artistic endeavors, Nalbantov picked up the electric guitar in '93 and never looked back.
Nalbantov original inspiration for Universe began back in '04, conceptually wanting to express his "feelings and views of the world around him." By the spring of '05 he had 11-songs written and recorded in his home studio but felt they needed more energy than could provided by programmed drum patterns. Drummer John Wooten soon entered the picture and gave the songs the heartbeat that Nalbantov felt was missing and he was inspired to rework and retool the music.
Universe is a balanced instrumental record that takes its cues from Nalbantov's heroes and allows him to put his stamp on rhythms, riffs and solo interludes that call forth fleeting images of Satriani and Eric Johnson. Nalbantov's nimble fingers weave silky smooth melodic passages over rhythmic arrangements that release the emotional, heartfelt desires of the artist.
Uplifting and light, the music evokes a promise of a kinder and gentler world. Universe stays away from dark brooding musical excursions that tend to bring the listener into a bad temperament. There is no disguising the talent of the artist.
Instrumental guitar fans will have a good idea of what Universe sounds like if by now they have caught on to Nalbantov's influences. Playing the devil's advocate here, there are times when the music is to Satriani like and that may distract you from the enormous wealth of talent that Nalbantov displays.
But at the end of the day just throw the comparisons out the window and enjoy Universe. The album has a fun atmospheric vibe that is contagious. Guitar fans will be pulled into the CD instantly on the energetic opening song "Purely and Simple." The whimsical "End of Summer" opens with a head bobbing acoustic melody as birds chirp away in the background before Nalbantov takes over with melodic electric melodies. Nalbantov likes to experiments with atmospheric textures which is evident on "Orpheus."
The music holds your attention with Nalbantov's distinct rhythm style building the foundation for his solo excursions throughout the CD. The music is arranged and executed flawlessly and is highlighted by also being well produced and mixed. What else can be said? Only that the style of music is so uncanny to the great Satriani that Nalbantov may need to focus on making his sound and style truly unique to himself so we can throw the comparisons out the window.
ulgarian guitarist Dimitar Nalbantov found solace in the recorded works of guitar greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Nalbantov's love of art and music has been cultivated into a career as an art teacher but more importantly to music fans he has found inspiration in the guise of the beloved string instrument the electric guitar. Taking his passion for artistic endeavors, Nalbantov picked up the electric guitar in '93 and never looked back.