“New World Flamenco Jazz”…it certainly is a thought provoking way to describe your music. Tomas Michaud is a masterful guitar player on 12 Latin jazz compositions that you will enjoy on his latest release. You may not have heard of his name mentioned in the same sentence as world-renowned artists such as Al Di Meola or Airto, although I see no reason why that is not a possibility in the near future based on what I just heard. Michaud will get the respect of his peers due to his outstanding artisanship and the technical expertise that he commands with his acoustic guitar.
I now understand after several listens why he chose the title of the album. The new world aspect comes into play with the modern sounds of the various keyboards and saxophones implemented to give it that very character and worldly flavor. In many instances when a soloist plays flamenco guitar, that is the only instrument that you hear, while Michaud could easily perform in that context, he prefers to use the many tools and instruments at his disposal for a fruitful full sound that pulls the listener in without ever letting go. Admittedly, I have a penchant for Latino jazz and feel a certain kinship and connection the genre and the culture, which I really have no explanation as to why except that I know it makes me feel so good when I listen to it.
Michaud has a superior supporting cast that enables him to weave his magical chords from his guitar faultlessly with all the other instruments, blending effortlessly into each composition, therefore making this entire recording an experience for a truly worldly audience to enjoy. I thought of beautiful sunsets, long walks on warm sandy beaches and the romanticism and story that this music created at all times while listening, totally spellbound. So much becomes a reality because one man decides to pick up a guitar; it is just beyond my comprehension.
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
January 24, 2004
TOMAS MICHAUD – NEW WORLD FLAMENCO JAZZ www.Kweevak.com
New World Flamenco Jazz is the fifth release from Tomas Michaud a multi-talented instrumentalist whose primary focus is guitar. Tomas's early influences include Santana and later Gipsy Kings and Ottmar Liebert. Michaud's latest CD like previous works is inspired by exotic locations and musical cultures. The title implies that this twelve-track collection will be jazz oriented with world textures from south and Central America, Spain and the Middle East. Yet, the CD is so much more. Besides rich ethnic tones, the CD has a cool groove and a subtle touch of the contemporary smooth jazz sound. Tomas and the other brilliant players on this CD have created a dozen enchanting compositions. Every song is compelling and each diverse piece is played with passion and precision. Interestingly my two favorite songs on the CD both bare titles of a spiritual implication. 'Whispers of Paradise' and 'Awakened by an Angel' are inspiring and are filled with rich beautiful sounds and musical solidarity. New World Flamenco Jazz is a cornucopia of world styles, masterful musicianship and beautiful tones demonstrating once again that Tomas Michaud is a dynamic player who creates "music that lifts your spirit and inspires your soul."
• Recommended Tracks: (4,7) [USA/CA 2004 - web] (Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)
Amazing Sounds Review - Passion Dance, www.amazings.com
This is the second album released by virtuoso American composer and guitarist Tomas Michaud. In his eleven themes, the artist expresses his fascination for the music with Spanish roots, Latin airs or Flamenco traits. His emotional melodies, sensuous, passionate, make of this album a wonderful addition to the universe of Contemporary Instrumental World Music with certain inspires of Smooth Jazz and ethnic airs of North African music, thus taking the listener to a voyage through a very special universe of sound. The author reflects his own experiences as well as his particular vision of the world, acquired throughout his journeys to foreign lands. Most remarkable is "Night In Antigua", inspired when the artist was contemplating the picturesque sunset landscape of this city in Guatemala, sited in the confluence of three volcanoes. In all, this CD evokes a spirit which happens to be modern, urbane, while at the same time being full of traditional Latin and Spanish airs, in some occasions romantic, passionate in others, filling the listener with the soul of different cultures. - Montse Andreu
Indie-Music Review - I Must Be Dreaming, www.Indie-music.com
Tomas Michaud, a flamenco guitar player from California, has just released "I Must Be Dreaming," the follow-up to last year's "Passion Dance." What I like most about this instrumental world music/jazz CD is that it's not Passion Dance Part Two. Michaud is painting a new canvas. The magic and beauty of his previous work is still here, but the guitar is telling different stories. -- In "Passion Dance," I heard heat and the dancing of unbridled spirits. This time, I'm hearing something cool and romantic. In the liner notes, Michaud thanks the moon for keeping him company during the recording of "I Must Be Dreaming," and this whole CD does capture the feeling of dancing under a starry, moonlit sky. As always, Michaud's guitar playing sounds spontaneous and improvised, like he's playing it as the moon sings it to him. He does let a spark of passion take over every now and then; in "Hot Mango," I can see blurry heat rising off desert sand. But for the most part, the guitar is singing love songs. It's beautiful. -- Michaud surrounds himself with equally gifted musicians whose contributions had me constantly checking the liner notes for credits. Wayne Ledbetter provides gorgeous sax work on "Open Heart." Percussionist Brian Rice adds a primitive, gypsy spirit to each song, from frenzied beats to gentle, tapping stick percussion. -- Perfect romantic mood music for a summer evening. - Jennifer Layton
Global Muse Review - I Must Be Dreaming, www.theglobalmuse.com
Tomas Michaud is one of those rare creators of amazing music that inspires the soul. The follow up the amazing "Passion Dance," "I Must Be Dreaming" takes the beauty and flavor of his music to another level of brilliance. Tomas incorporates flamenco styles with many world influences to create his sound. The music has a powerful, yet romantic feeling that comes with every song on the album. The music is exotic, passionate, soulful, and mystical. There is not one song on this album that doesn't pull at some emotion. That's the beauty of the music that Tomas creates. The musicianship of Tomas Michaud rivals anything I've ever heard. He is truly one of the most skilled and talented musicians that I've had the pleasure of hearing. I find it difficult to find words that can accurately describe the feeling that this music presents. The praise that I write of this album is only the beginning of how I actually feel about this amazing piece of work. I'm not sure if what I get from this music is because of my musical background, or if it's the music fan in me that is starving for music of this complexity and overall quality. Either way, it is easy to see that I have quickly become a fan of Tomas Michaud and the music he creates. If all music moved me in this way, these pages would be filled with it. This is definitely one artist that I believe every music fan and musician should at least take a listen to. They just don't make music any better than this. - Michael Allison
Magical! www.Kweevak.com
Michaud's music is an enchanting mix of jazz, new age and world. He blends exotic rhythms, fervent guitars and passionate playing into each of the twelve tracks found on this instrumental collection. I Must Be Dreaming has a mystical spiritual tone. In many ways, Tomas' songs could be odes to nature based on their titles and expressive interpretations. A prime example is the graceful soothing quality of 'Sweet Rain Falling' where the guitar inspires pictures and sounds of a gentle rainfall. This song is both beautiful and refreshing. 'Luna' has a soft subtle beat and later some creative percussion to compliment amazing fretwork, thus capturing the warmth and passion of a moonlight dance. 'Summer In September' is another powerful composition with skillful guitar solos, reflective instrumentation and subtle musical changes as the season comes to a close. Tomas Michaud is a passionate player and I Must Be Dreaming is magical! * Recommended Tracks: (2,7,9) [USA/CA 2001 - web] (Review by Laura Turner Lynch)
Sweet Dreams, Rico, Amazon.com Top 100 Reviewer
This is a highly recommended CD that fills the heart with joy. The first thing one notices is the fluidity and masterful technique employed by Tomas Michaud. He plays the flamenco guitar with a virtuosity that reveals his superb talents but is not overly "showy". The inevitable comparison to another excellent guitarist, Ottmar Liebert is a compliment as both are master guitarists. Although their sound is similar Tomas Michaud has a unique style that employs the efforts of other personnel who contribute to a fusion that is jazzy and sophisticated all at once. It is also soft and melodic, contrasted by fiery rapid fret work that sizzles. The sax work by Wayne Ledbetter adds a touch that adds to the romantic character of the sound. This is music for sharing with a partner, soft lights and warm hearts blending with the sounds of nouveau flamenco make for a passion dance. A rhythmic blend of flamenco guitar combined with the modern techniques of the studio make for a fine excursion into a world of fusion that rivals or exceeds some of the more well known artists of this genre such a Armik, Cook, Lopez or the aforementioned Liebert. My personal faves are "Summer in September" with its beautiful hot sax melodies creeping in and out complimenting the fret finger magic. "Hot Mango' is a perfect example of guitar work that is elegant and exquisite. "Luna Heart" is yet another example of the splendid guitar work of Michaud as his guitar sound ebbs and flows with grace. "Sands of Cartagena" is a beautiful song complimented by percussion that takes the mind wandering to far off places on a musical journey. All in all the CD is excellent and the perfect elixir for soft romantic nights. If you like some of the artists mentioned, nouveau flamenco or what some call "New Age" music this instrumental CD will be a good addition to your personal music library. Enter this dream as relaxing, soothing and good vibes await the listener. -Reviewer: Rico from San Diegoitlan,Califas
Heard Review - Passion Dance, http://heard.com.au
For those who love instrumental acoustic-based guitar albums, then Passion Dance, from Tomas Michaud, will be of great interest to you. Utilizing his interesting playing style, which I'd term 'soft flamenco' at times, Tomas' music has a great feel & equally impressive production. The opening songs are certainly impressive, but it's only once we get past the first few tracks & into "Tiger & The Butterfly" & beyond, that you can really begin to settle in, though repeated listening gives you a better perception of the sounds here. The pick of the lot here for me were 2 songs paired towards the end of the album, the wonderfully soft edges surrounding "When Your Eyes Meet Mine" & "Alma (Soul)". While targeting a totally different market than Joe Satriani, given time, Tomas could certainly have the same impact. -Terry Allen
- Intro/general thoughts: The man I marry will play the Flamenco Guitar. I love this CD.
And what perfect timing. I'm stranded in my house because of the worst snow/ice storm North Carolina has seen in years, and Tomas Michaud sends me "Passion Dance," a CD that turns up the heat and sends my mind to the beaches of Jamaica. Maybe if I take my CD player outside and play it at full volume, I can melt all the ice in the driveway and finally get my car free. - Type of Music: The basic feel is Latin Jazz, but so much is thrown into the mix with each song. A bit of reggae. Sounds of nature. The mystical hint of the Orient. Some rock sounds here and there. I guess the description on the back of the CD covers it: "Contemporary Instrumental World Music blended with Smooth Jazz." And did I mention Michaud plays the Flamenco Guitar? Oooooh....
- Hometown: Michaud is from California -- he started playing in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended California State University.
- Highs: Michaud plays the Flamenco Guitar. Nuff said. OK, there's actually more to be said. Like the way he plays the guitar. His fingers sound like they're barely touching the strings, gliding over them to play intricate melodies and making the guitar sing. And I have to mention my favorite track, "A Walk in the Night." The ominous intro with the wailing sax evokes images from film noir. Then the dangerously mysterious mood breaks into a festival sound, like I just stepped off the dark street and into the welcoming heat of a nightclub.
- Lows: Only one teensy little thing that breaks the romantic spell for a few seconds. The otherwise beautiful "Un Poquito Dulce" has a bell/percussion intro that sounds almost exactly like the opening riff from "Copacabana." With a CD this romantic, I do not want to be having visions of Barry Manilow. However, I must add that the VERY nice saxophone work here by Wayne Ledbetter definitely makes up for it.
- Favorite Lines: This is instrumental music, so normally I'd leave this part out. But Michaud's guitar sings the lyrics, especially in "Night in Antigua" and "El Desierto." Each listener's imagination can supply the words.
- Fans: People caught up in the Latin music invasion American music is experiencing will already have their hearts and minds open for this. However, if you think Ricky Martin is the best Latin music has to offer, drop whatever you're doing and listen to this CD. Right now. Don't make me come over there.
- Foes: People with no imagination or sense of romance. Seriously. No matter what kind of music you usually listen to, if there is playfulness anywhere in your soul, you will dance to this music.
- Summary: North Carolina is expecting another ice storm in the next 24 hours, and we'll probably lose our electricity. Bring it on. My portable CD player is battery-powered. I'll just soak in a bubble bath, light some candles, and get swept up in this romantic music again. Guys, play Michaud's "Passion Dance" CD during the next romantic dinner with your wives/girlfriends. Trust me. Michaud plays the Flamenco Guitar. Ooooh... -- Jennifer Layton
New Age Retailer -Passion Dance, www.newageretailer.com
Tomas Michaud combines a fresh interpretation of Nuevo Flamenco with sensuous smooth-jazz and world-fusion flavors, creating a remarkable sophoœmore release. He brings a lyrical sensibility to his flamenco guitar playing, infusing the music with romance. Michaud uses several talented musicians throughout Passion Dance. Outstanding bass, percussion, drums, piano, synthesizers, and sax all embellish MichaudŐs superb work on guitar. Like his first album Heart Coming Home, Passion Dance is aptly named. This is lively, romantic music that will have your heart pounding and toes tapping.
Listen.com Review, www.Listen.com
Relaxing synthesis of Flamenco, Smooth Jazz and Easy Listening. Beautifully played guitars are supported by a gyrating rhythm section, with the energy level kept at a laid-back, happy medium. -Mike McGuirk
Get Fancy Review Tomas Michaud has fashioned a beautifully ornate, classical guitar picked rhythmic world record filled with insightful instrumental storytelling comparable to the great Ottmar Liebert. Passion Dance (Starland Music) drifts from Latin love and gun-slinging southern ballads to Jamaican jive with sassy sax, festive flutes, stirring strings and dreamy dramas throughout for a wonderful collection that would add spice to any film or TV scene.
Another Dimension Webzine, www.geocities.com/nuage5328
TOMAS MICHAUD:Passion Dance 1999 (CD), 52:38): Starland Music STAR003
Style: Contemporary Instrumental World Music
Sound:****
Composition:****
Musicianship:****
Performance:****
TOTAL SCORE:16
Imagine yourself sitting on the patio of your favorite bistro overlooking the Pacific or Atlantic ocean, sipping on a cocktail and watching the sunset. Now imagine in the background some contemporary Latin music thatŐs as passionate as the setting. That would likely be Tomas MichaudŐs Passion Dance. ItŐs a beautiful CD that combines sensuous Latin rhythms with s smooth jazz sound that captivates the listener with itŐs toe tapping sound. Tomas Michaud developed his musical technique with the Trumpet, Mandolin and Electric bass, but discovered his true passion, the guitar at age 14. After Cal State University Tomas furthered his musical influences by traveling to Spain, Puerto Rico, Mexico and other Latin American countries. Tomas Latin influence is very apparent on Passion Dance and Night In Antigua as well as Morning of The Starfish and Un Poquito Dulce. The music is all instrumental also, Tomas prefers to let his Flamenco guitar sing for him and his playing is as good as having a voice on this. Tomas is by no means a one-man show either. Wayne Ledbetter provides some smooth sax sounds and special guest Daniel Maya provides some additional flamenco playing on Alma, Night In Antigua, a Walk In the Night and Passion Dance. In summary Passion Dance provides a wonderful backdrop for those romantics moments whether they be on the beach in Antigua or in Lansing, Michigan. -John Ridge
Global Muse Review - Passion Dance, www.theglobalmuse.com
Tomas Michaud is one of those rare pleasure that come along and answer all of your prayers. Well, as long as all of your prayers are for a guitar player who creates a sound so intense and passionate that you fall to your knees. Tomas has created a collection of music that is explosive and so inviting that it's almost unexplainable. His world music sound and style is beyond anything I could expect. Mainly a Latin/Flamenco style, Tomas has mastered his own sound and presents it in a way that is simply beautiful. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that this music has healing powers. The blissful nature of the tones and brilliant arrangements are breathtaking. This is one amazing recording that anyone who loves instrumental music with passion should definitely own. - Michael Allison
The Rundown
Sound Quality: *****
Production Quality: *****
Musicianship: *****
Originality:****
Over All: *****
Song Pick: "Morning Of The Starfish" - (Impressive guitar work, very passionate playing.)
Demorama Review- Passion Dance, www.demorama.com
Tomas Michaud bills himself as a contemporary world musician. As a result of his various Latin influences, his second release, Passion Dance, involves many moods while staying within the Flamenco style. Crystalline production and a host of competent back-up musicians make for an easy listen. Years of diligent practice have provided Michaud with the technical base from which to express a wide range of emotions as he takes his listeners though arpeggio scales and melodic crescendos that sweep gently, at times aggressively, across his nylon string acoustic. A more traditional than contemporary instrumentalist, Michaud well fits the bill of guitar virtuoso. (Craig Alan)
Napra Review, www.napra.com
"A solid offering for fans of Ottmar Liebert. Michaud's styling and arrangements are as particularly tender as the title suggest. Perfect for a candlelight dinner or evening on the terrace with that special someone." - Peggy Randall
Alameda Times Star Review
"The music is flamenco-laced and Latin at heart but it does different things to the soul and the imagination--it conjures up images of crashing ocean waves against cool sands, horseback rides in the country side, and raspberry-tinted skies at sunset.... Heart Coming Home, an enduring romantic collection of tunes that stirs up sensuous, fiery, passionate emotions." -Elizabeth Goodwin
New Age Retailer Review
Heart Coming Home is unabashedly romantic music. Michaud's intoxicating melodies set our imaginations and our hearts free.
Deepspace Disc Review
A world class performer, Tomas will dance with you as he transmits the energy of his live concerts to this refined and impressive studio work. - Grayhawk
Instrumental Weekly Review
Tomas Michaud Shares His Dreams... The clean and exuberant guitar work of Tomas Michaud gives plenty of reason to listen to his new album. With a decidedly world vision, I Must Be Dreaming is a collection of twelve exotic, romantic, and seriously passionate pieces. Whatever inspiration or musical spirits helped him along with this album, Tomas shows his mastery of guitar and presents a simply stunning follow-up to 1999's Passion Dance. Tomas has a genuine gift for guitar, each of his recordings sounding almost improvised, which adds greatly to the romantically-charged atmosphere of I Must Be Dreaming. Though it's considered by most to be an instrumental world music release, I couldn't help but think of a sultry Southwestern vista, full moon in the sky, gentle breezes from the desert...so you get the picture. "Open Heart" starts this album on a cool and quiet note, which quickly becomes an upbeat, purposeful anthem with some sweet alto sax to spice things up. "Luna" is an inspired creation, and once again, that full moon/warm evening imagery comes to mind very quickly. The title track is beautifully romantic and could be a song of desperate longing, or perhaps a song of love fulfilled. Very passionate on many different levels. "Hot Mango" (a title I just love!) picks things up for an exotic, upbeat joyride while "Sweet Rain Falling" slows down to enjoy life and love in equal measure. My favorite track on I Must Be Dreaming has to be the short but poignant "Solitude"...I'm always amazed by how much feeling can be evoked from a guitar in the right hands. The album ends with "Light In Your Eyes", and again, the optimism and passion of Tomas Michaud is felt deeply. Contributing to this album are sax player Wayne Ledbetter and percussionist Brian Rice, who brings a gypsy-like spirit to each piece, and really enhances the guitar work. If I had to recommend an album to share with that special someone, I'd encourage you to check out I Must Be Dreaming and let the passion just take you from there. Wonderful music all around.