Best of the Paraguayan Harp (ARC Music EUCD 2531, 2014)
Here’s an intriguing tidbit stumbled upon in an online search: “I found an Oscar Benito CD in George Harrison’s music collection in his home on Hamilton Island, Australia. Songs include “Reza” and “Rosa.” I made a copy back then. I still play from time to time. Never met George. He had passed on. I was a caretaker for the home. George must have been a fan of Oscar’s.”
This particular release has been percolating away on music’s back burner since 2005, and is now being re-released globally by the superlative world label, ARC. It’s passionate in that under-the-balcony-late-night-serenade way traditional Hispanic string music can be passionate.
The Paraguayan harp, that country’s national instrument, adds a light, feathery head to the genre, nicely abetted by Benito’s fine voice. One can easily picture the ever-curious and experimental George Harrison considering embracing this instrument and its guru as he did sitar and Ravi Shankar.
One does not always wish for that under-the-balcony-late-night-serenade passion, but when one does, here’s the CD.
Author: Arthur Shuey
Arthur has been reviewing music for publications since 1976 and began focusing almost exclusively on world music in 2012.
His musical background includes past presidencies of the Cape Fear Musicians Association and Blues Society of the Lower Cape Fear, founding membership in nine other blues societies, service on 17 music festival planning committees, two decades of teaching harmonica to individuals and groups, operating a small recording studio and performing solo and in combos for 30 years.
Arthur has written professionally since 1975, pieces ranging from short fiction to travel articles, humor to poetry, mainly for local and regional entertainment media. His blog,” Shuey’s World,” is featured at www.accesswilmington.com.
