Juan M. Valero - Melodic Fantasy (Earlier Compositions) (2008)Self-released

This is the second solo release by a Spaniard, Barcelona-based guitar virtuoso, Juan M. Valero whose first album was reviewed in one of DoV's previous issues. Actually, it is not a regular stuff, but a compilation of tracks that have been composed through last 2 years. In other words, there are compositions in various styles brought in on the stuff. A Spanish guitarist is going to carry on this series under similar titles, e.g. "Akoustik Fantasy", "Symphonic Fantasy" etc.

A characteristic that can distinguish "Melodic Fantasy" are calm fragments contrasted against high-energy moments with furious, yet melodic solos. Additionally, Juan uses a cosmic background in places what is really impressive and I wish there was much more so excellent ideas. Other features typical of Valero's music are progressive chords, warm licks, fairylike misicscape, hit arrangements and many tempo changes. He doesn't fear the electronica, and, on the contrary, Juan makes use of electronic potential in combination with guitar virtuosity very well. Even though "Melodic Fantasy" is multi-coloured, multi-layered and instrumentally rich work, it lacks redundant elements.

I must admit that Juan Valero's music took very cosmic shape and got solemnity so much it can shiver down our spine. Moreover, his ideas have got progressive, symphonic and even cinematic character what is best audible in driving and rhythmical compositions. While playing fast, he resembles Rusty Cooley's fingering, when joining guitar music with dance style, Thierry Tigoulet a.k.a. thierrytig brings to my mind, while decorating guitar parts with neoclassicism, it reminds me of Michael Harris and Jonas Hansson, and finally when turning cosmic, it sounds very akin to Thanasis Lightbridge's Dol Ammad. Although the stuff lasts over 100 minutes, it is undoubtedly worth a listen! Precious music never enough!