Chaconne
A Baroque Recital (Tonar Music)In the liner notes, Barrueco writes that he was playing this material around the time his parents died. The guitarist, who teaches at Peabody, certainly brings a depth of emotion and gravitas to these selections, especially the Bach pieces. Barrueco strums heartstrings, and his performance of Bach’s “Chaconne” from Partita in D Minor resonates with love and loss.
The Stone Hill All-Stars
Live (self-released)
Recorded live at An die Musik, this 15-track disc demonstrates why this combo is the cornerstone of the local roots music scene. Paul Margolis spins poetic yarns over guitar parts Ry Cooder might envy, as accordionist/pianist John Shock bobs and weaves through polka/reggae/rock rhythms conjured by drummer Hoppy Hopkins and bassist Dan Naiman. They get extra credit for the Zappa-esque “He’s the Weatherman” and rhymes like, “the Oriole bird looks blurred from the curb.”
