Arturo Echarte

Article Category: Local CD Review 2 Comments

Arturo Echarte
Acoustic Survivor
Self-released; 2008

It’s clear from the outset of Acoustic Survivor that guitarist Arturo Echarte plays from his soul.

That he donates all of the proceeds of his local performances to those in need only confirms his devotion to the original aim of his craft. Where others make noise about making music “for the love of it” or “to change lives,” the highly-talented Echarte follows through with his promise, and then some.

Apart from being a highly relaxing listen, Acoustic Survivor shows his willingness to infuse stagnant forms with new life, as he shifts effortlessly between Michael Hedges-style fingerpicking, flamenco, classical Spanish, and chromatic strokes of jazz and Island-style reggae.

By turns studied and carefree, the songs on Echarte’s demo, though seemingly unfocused, provide the album with a charming immediacy that’s often lacking in similar submissions. No one, as far as we know, challenges the way acoustic beachside music should be heard quite like Echarte. Having a passing knowledge of reggae riffs is part and parcel of nearly every local jobbing musician’s repertoire, but when injected sparingly (and unexpectedly) as Echarte does, the style bows respectfully to both accepted tradition and daring invention.

There’s a latent deftness behind intricate compositions like “Cuba’s Dawn” and “Cherry Liqueur,” but they never come at the cost of deeply felt emotion, nor do they attempt to supplant earned technique with aimless fret theatrics. Innocuous sounding tracks like “After The Party” or “Seabreeze” roll along nicely enough, yet surprise with abstract off-ramps toward blossoming and highly original, polyrhythmic directions.

Arturo Echarte plays locally throughout Brevard at music venues, restaurants, parties, private dinners, and special events. To book him for your event or to order copies of Acoustic Survivor, call him at (321) 544-4949, or email him at: pcisurfer@aol.com.

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