Composer, performer and producer Stevan Pasero is sometimes referred to as one of the music world’s best kept secrets, although he is recognized worldwide for his finger-style guitar-playing as well as being a composer and producer in the classical genre. His musical interests cross the genre boundaries, however, and he has successfully blended Latin, flamenco, tango, Jazz, Brazilian and other world elements into his music.
Jambossa, released in 2009, is a collection that was conceived after jamming and performing over the years with close friends and band mates. The product of those musical experiences offers some remarkably innovative takes on some commonly covered tunes that range from the likes of the unexpected interpretation of Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" to Van Morrison's "Moondance" to beloved classics such as "What a Wonderful World" and "Besame Mucho." Pasero even manages to pull off a surprisingly enjoyable version of "Stairway to Heaven."
Admittedly, it might be difficult at first to listen with an unbiased ear to tunes that have been covered to death or to openly accept and embrace such super-tweaked versions of compositions that were not originally intended to contain such contrasting musical elements. However, this production turns out to be a very well-arranged mélange of jazz, bossa nova, rhumba, flamenco, tango and classical music styles in fresh, dynamic arrangements. Pasero‘s musical skill and elegance give these interpretations a fresh and unique feeling, but also quite tasteful and well-constructed complimentary edge.
