JPF Music Awards:
AlmaNova "Debut" -Best Instrumental Album 2009
Almer Imamovic "Sarajevo Nights" -Best Instrumental Song 2009
Review from "Classical Guitar Magazine" the U.K.'s premier guitar magazine.
AlmaNova: Debut
This duo met while studying at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris and have toured North America, Mexico, France, Eastern Europe and the U.K.
This disc encompasses Imamovic's original compositions and arrangements of love songs from his native, Bosnia. Many of the tunes are instantly hummable, they have a musical simplicity which is charming and whether originals or arrangements, Imamovic has done an exceptional job throughout. Mixed in with the sentimental sounding tracks are several up-tempo ones which really get the feet tapping (especially notable being the final track where both players are, one assumes, double tracking) and a couple of well-played guitar solos, too. There is not really one low point in the whole program, all the pieces are of a most attractive nature and are well performed by this ably equipped duo.
The recording quality is of a high standard, the presentation lets the side down a little though with just a one-sheet insert containing little information about the duo of the music, for that, you have to visit their website.
-Steve Marsh, Classical Guitar Magazine, UK
Review of AlmaNova's "Debut"
Pure musical pleasure is the result of this masterful combination of Jessica Pierce's flute and Almer Imamovic's guitar. Both performers are passionate players and give breath-taking performances in their original combinations of classical and romantic music and Bosnian love songs and lively dances.
The duo started while they were both students at the famed Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris, and has flowered in the course of major world tours and highly praised concerts. In style, they take time to state and develop the many melodies and rhythmic energies with impeccable techniques, and yet retain a relaxed, restrained purity of sound.
On this recording the pair make judicious use of added hand percussion from Jim Coffin, and a little instrumental overdubbing, but maintain an acoustic sensibility throughout. For variety, inspiration, and listener enjoyment this collection of ten arrangements sets high standards for a flute and guitar ensemble program. Unreservedly recommended.
Jim Langabeer-Flute Focus
Review of AlmaNova's "Debut"
AlmaNova is a flute and guitar duo comprising Jessica Pierce and Almer Imamovic. It was formed during their studies at the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris. The folk-influenced music on this disc includes Imamovic’s arrangements of traditional Bosnian works and his own compositions. It is not clear from the sleeve-notes which are which, as there is no individual information about each track other than the listing on the back.
Sarajevo Nights is an upbeat track, with percussive definition and a florid flute melody. This track gives the disc a strong opening, well written for the instruments and allows both players to shine. The playing from both of these performers is idiomatic and immediately demands attention. Moj Golube is a moderately paced ballad with a lyrical melody given well chosen ornamentation. The opening of Uzeh Djugum I Mastrafu is hauntingly beautiful, with rich, dark flute tones heard over tremolo guitar. The mood lightens, and a poised dance follows. Theme for Carolyn moves through several changes of mood, with a simple melody line varied through the use of different accompaniment styles on the guitar. Scott’s Guitar is a beautifully performed solo for guitar, while Tapkalica is another fast, rhythmic track, with repeated melodic patterns building the momentum to a frenzy. La Nuit avec P.K. is another languid guitar solo which develops into a toccata-like dance with a punchy groove. The exotic Jamilla’s Dance has a dance of the seven veils quality to it, with Pierce’s seductive pitch-bends demanding attention. Dinner with JD features multi-tracked flutes in a piece which has a more western pop style - parts of this track reminded me of Kenny G - than the rest of the disc. The Bosnian roots return for the final track, Song for Marcus, in a fast-paced dance, which also features some multi-tracking.
This is an enjoyable disc which adds an interesting dimension to flute and guitar duo repertoire. These players are clearly passionate about their choice of repertoire, and Pierce makes excellent use of ornamentation in her playing to give a sense of drama to otherwise simple melodic lines. Both players have excellent technical control and they have a wonderful rapport as a duo.
Published by Bungaloo Music:
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