Pepe Romero - Guitar Solos (1992)

Having discovered the rich and intoxicating world of Spanish music by the likes of Ravel, de Falla, Albeniz, and Rodrigo, it was only a question of time before I purchased an album of guitar solos, which as fate would have it is this one, by Pepe Romero. What this amounts to is a “greatest hits” package of the most popular short guitar pieces by the Spanish masters AND a selection of the best of Romero’s recordings. To list but a few of the pieces and their composers, there’s “Granada” and “Asturias” by Isaac Albeniz, “Andaluza” and “Intermezzo” by Enrique Granados, and “Pavana” and “Capricho Arabe” by Francisco Tarrega. I have some of these pieces performed by Andres Segovia. Which versions are better, should comparisons be made, is a question of taste. Both guitarists are absolute masters. Segovia is a touch more understated, while Romero is perhaps a bit more passionate. That’s my opinion. I enjoy listening to both artists. Having said that, I can heartily recommend this album. The sound is clear and bright and the performances are spirited and flawless.