CD Review “Overtones”, Ondra Kozàk
12 songs, 12 vintage guitars. Played, mixed and mastered by Ondra Kozak
Just now and again something truly extraordinary gets recorded, this CD is one of them; a wonderful work, from master guitarist Ondra Kozak.
Ondra is well known all over Europe for his incredible technique and interesting interpretation of tunes, this album is no exception.
What makes this one so very special is the fact that every track is played on a different vintage acoustic guitar, the accompanying booklet describes both the tunes and way of playing and the styles and ages of the instruments with photos of each instrument.
Ondra has set out to make each guitar stand out in its own right, carefully selecting the tunes to best match the range and tones from each different guitar His playing is truly spectacular.
From Debussy to Bill Monroe and from guitar greats like David Grier, Michal Vavro, as well as Ondra’s own compositions, they are spectacular and way beyond the norm in their intricate fingering, tone and listening ability. I found myself holding my breath through some of the extended bass lines and lead, harmony and rhythm far and beyond where a flat-picked tune should go!
The album also blew away some of my entrenched views as to how various guitars sound. A Gibson jumbo is too boomy and slow for bluegrass, a parlour size has not enough bass, a twelve string. Is to be avoided. However, Ondra makes them all sound beautiful, with my personal favourite being the 1944 Martin D28 by a whisker over the 1890 Washburn “New model” style 305 coming a close third. But, they all sound marvellous! (All the guitars had phosphor bronze strings except the 1937 Martin D18 with D’addario Monel strings…look them up)
The melodies are a very nice selection of tunes you will know, such as Wildwood Flower, Wheel Hoss and Fire on the Mountain, and other less obvious pieces such as La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin (The girl with the flaxen hair) by Debussy and Killing Me Softly With His Song. Plus Ondra’s own compositions and all played uniquely well by him, branding them with his own style and interpretation.
This is a top drawer collection of wonderful music from one of the worlds greatest flat pick guitarists, all guitar buffs, bluegrass fans, music lovers are strongly advised to purchase this special CD and booklet … and the tablature!
Go to www.ondrakozak.com
The Guitars:
- Maurier16″, Larson Brothers,1935
- Gibson Nick-Lucas special, 1926
- Martin om-18, 1930
- Washburn “new model” Style 305, 1890
- Martin D12-35, 1968
- Gibson Southern Jumbo, 1944
- Martin000-28, 1938
- Martin 00-18Hsb, 1940
- Gibson L-O black, 1942
- Martin D18, 1937
- Martin D28, 1944
- Martin2-21, 1889
Brian Dowdall