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'Sketches of Spain' by Paul Athey and Phil Oswald.
For bookings/buy a tape 01983 754329

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Zinco - Martinez

"To play on a Spanish guitar,
with the sun shining down where you are"
- Gene Clark

A tape review by Vic King

Island Spanish guitar duo, Paul Athey and Phil Oswald aka Martinez have releaed an eleven track cassette tape compilation which is a testimony to their talent.

Chunky chords from Athey, clean lead breaks from Oswald. There is clearly a great empathy between the duo.

Side one begins with a stylish 'Memories of the Alhambra'. Jack Hargreaves triva buffs will recall it as the latter day theme music for Out of Town'. Next is Carlo Santana's 'Moonflower' with a looser more percussive feel, followed by the widely recognised 'Cavatina' by Soloff, the theme from the Deerhunter.

Side One ends with two Lennon and McCartney compoisitons. A fluid 'Blackbird' is followed by a flowing 'And I Love Her' as Oswald takes the 'Hard Days Night' favourite off in a new direction with an embellished solo.

Side two begins with Herecia Latino by Oswald's favourite Spanish guitarist, Flamenco maestro Paco Pena. Interestingly, this is followed by a live version of Paul Athey's 'Living in Marakay', which I recall Big Swifty performing on the Island in the late seventies. It comes from the time that the Silver Band including Athey lived in Venezuela for seven months in 1973/74 (and made number 4 in the Venzeuelan top ten! Ed.). Listening to this, no wonder that the Silver Band's Tim Marshall said that people used to run into the shops to get out of the heat.

Next comes 'Concerto des Aranjuez' by Rodrigo/Vidne, popularly know to us as Rodriqos Guitar Concerto. Ennio Murricones 'Bye Bye Colonel' and 'For A Few Dollars More' recall the bootlegging and gun running flavour of the film soundtrack originals.

The final track, and title track, is another Athey composition, 'Zinco' which incorporates a jazzier feel.

For more information on Martinez, obtain a copy of the tape telephone Paul on 01983 754329.

Vic King