Havana Sunset: The Best of Govi
Havana Sunsetis a collection of 11 previously released tracks (60 minutes' worth) selected from the German-born guitarist's four Higher Octave recordings:Saffron & Silk,Mosaico,Andalusian Nights, andSeventh Heaven. As one would expect, it's an easy-on-the-ear showcase for Govi's unerringly pleasant flamenco stylings--warm, graceful, and sanguine. Govi clearly does not create music for flamenco purists; instead, he targets listeners who enjoy the gentler side of flamenco's cheery colors, and he obliges by creating smooth, catchy, midtempo selections that are imbued with refined playing and a nonblistering pace. It is what it is: Nice, undisruptive background music well-suited for a patio party ("Persuasion" sets a particularly attractive mood) or a top-down cruise along an oceanfront highway. Put Govi in approximately the same league asJohannes Linstead(though Linstead's melodies and arrangements can be more complex) orOscar Lopez(a skilled player who often favors a more spirited flamenco sound).--Terry Wood