A Solo Debut
In a country with a long-standing tradition of outstanding guitarists — some familiar names are Lula Galvão, Guinga, Ricardo Silveira, Baden Powell, Dilermando Reis, Chico Pinheiro and many more — it is always fascinating to find out that the Brazilian artistic well of excellent guitarists is far from getting dry. Originally from Brazil’s capital (Brasília, DF, 1979), Daniel Santiago debuts as a soloist with an original album of nine compositions all written and arranged by himself. Having played with such notables as João Bosco, Ivan Lins, Toninho Horta, Guinga, Leila Pinheiro, Zélia Duncan and Ed Motta, among several others, it is no wonder this is indeed a good CD. Santiago exhibits excellent qualities as a guitarist. Though very young, he showcases his talents very well in all the areas featured in On the Way. Whether composing or arranging or performing his acoustic guitar, he delivers his music with confidence and strength. He pays homage to some of Brazil’s greatest guitarists in “Horta & Guinga” and “Tribute to Baden.” Though both pieces are beautiful, the latter is my favorite and well deserving of wider recognition. Providing support to Santiago’s fine playing, we have bassist André Vasconcellos and drummer Márcio Bahia. To sum up how good Daniel Santiago is and what a promising new guitarist we are listening to, here is what Guinga himself wrote about Santiago: “The architecture of this guitar is particular and mysterious. Sometimes it is like the strings are thrown in the outer space… It is nostalgic an futuristic. Sublime! That’s the Santiago way!”
ALBUM INFORMATION
Daniel Santiago
On the Way
Adventure Music AM 1025 2 (2006)
Total time: 34’27”
Tracks:
All compositions by Daniel Santiago.
- Viewpoint
- On the Way
- Memory
- Horta & Guinga
- Tribute to Baden
- Homesick
- Plateau
- Old Times
- New Generation
