If you normally stick to vocals for your musical kicks I recommend 'Virtuoso' to change your mind.
I admit though, the second you see the the title 'Virtuoso' the perception of what you may be about to hear could be a little off balance already. You might be thinking a heavyweight listen is just around the corner and you should be preparing for a masterclass in, well...showing off.
If this is the point you would normally zone out at, or even bravely stick with it anyway, hoping there may be a track you've heard before, then relax!
What you really get for your money is a toe tapping, hum along, may even have you up on your feet at some point run through reworked tunes you'll recognise or get to know quickly.
As inappropriately serious as the title is, there is something to be said for the surprise value of the first listen.
The tracks are reworked, refreshed and dare I say it- popped and rocked up. The over all effect is lighthearted, fun and contemporary.
David is a very young musician - that comes across in the album. Is that a criticism...no! But a valid observation all the same. His enthusiasm and love of the music comes through no matter which genre the track is from, rock, film, musical theatre, classical. Another clear point is that, he certainly has shown no fear in displaying a mile wide rebellious streak in his adaptations.
Those who are aware of his child prodigy roots and incredible talent may argue this Cd doesn't show those qualities well enough - I have to grudgingly admit there were times I wished the added beats were not so over powering and there was more of a focus on the depth of sound he was producing. That said, to have someone as talented be unpretentious enough to drag the image of violinists bang up to date - has been a long time in waiting so the good far outways those little moments. Only David could have made it look like an easy thing to do.
The one complaint I had was that the tracks seem too short - Could have been that I just didn't want them to end though. Not such an awful problem to have.
In short 'Virtuoso' is pure classical crossover - FULLY crossed over and just waiting to be enjoyed.
Tracklisting
1. La Califfa
2. Carmen Fantasie
3. Nothing Else Matters
4. Csardas - Gypsy Dance
5. Duelling Banjos
6. Canon
7. Paganini Rhapsody (on Caprice 24)
8. Somewhere
9. The Flight of The Bumble Bee
10. Serenade
11. Toccata
12. You Raise Me Up
13. Eliza's Song
14. Csardas - Gypsy Dance
'Virtuoso' is out in the UK on Monday 24 March 2008
Reviewer: Ben Cartmill
