Along with Robert van Buuren, Bob Dease is the mind behind
\nAcoustic Serenade. Dease plays guitar and percussion and van Buuren
\nplays guitar, bass and mandolin — and for this maiden release,
\nthey add David Onstad on guitar and percussion.<\/p>\n
Dease was born in Los Angeles, California where he played guitar
\nand wrote songs as a child. He later moved to Mendocino where he
\nmet Robert van Buuren at a coffee house. Van Buuren was born in the
\nNetherlands but studied guitar in high school in the United States
\nas well as jazz and rock guitar, bass and mandolin.<\/p>\n
Dedicated and courageous, this duo draws from the quiet and
\ngentle nature of Dease’s writing ability and the attentive guitar
\nplaying of van Buuren. Dease admits fear can often get in his way,
\nbut neither gentleman should have any precautions with this album.
\nOnstad provides back-up to complement an almost-perfect new age
\nresult.<\/p>\n
“Gypsy Traveller” has the frolicking nature of the
\nfree-gypsy-lifestyle but also cleverly expresses the seriousness of
\nthe harshness such a life can sometimes create. Their music is very
\ndeliberate and the depth of feeling in this piece is easily felt.
\n“Sea Of Rain” is repetitive, although not to the point of being
\nboring – the simple chords make the song unlikely as a favorite but
\nit is not a shoddy piece by any means.<\/p>\n
Free-flowing but serious, “Inversion” incorporates the
\ncomposition and performance skills of Onstad. The song reminds me a
\nbit of “House Of The Rising Sun” due to familiar chords, but is
\naccomplished enough to only make it feel familiar while remaining
\noriginal. Also, “Casale” demonstrates an Andrea Segovia influence.
\nIt is clean, sharp and beautifully written and performed. It is the
\nhighlight of the CD and my favorite, ending all too quickly.<\/p>\n
“Quattro” kicks up the pace with a tempo change and energizes
\nthe CD with its quick notes and charismatic chords. There is a
\nSpanish flair, albeit unpretentious, and this fortifies the song,
\nas do the many world influences that pop up here, such as on
\n“Free.”<\/p>\n
Acoustic Serenade also incorporates jazz, bluegrass (“Forest
\nLake”) and soft rock into this release. This eclectic duet is
\nimmensely talented and their basic acoustic style of performance
\nallows room for their composition abilities to be elevated and
\nbrought to the surface. The instruments merely carry the music
\nrather than create it. The distinctive personality of each
\nparticipant gives reign to express a refreshing and joyful CD.<\/p>\n