Thursday, October 7, 2010

Andreas Oberg: Six String Evolution

Resonance Records
By Ric Bang • Originally published in The Davis Enterprise, 10.07.10
Buy CD: Six String Evolution


Swedish guitarist Andreas Oberg is an extremely talented musician, composer, arranger and teacher. In fewer than six years, he has gone from unknown (outside of Scandinavia) to worldwide stardom.

Oh yes, before he decided to make music his life, he also was one of Sweden's top junior tennis players.

Oberg initially was drawn to fusion-style guitarists but, while still in high school, developed a passion for straight-ahead artists such as George Benson, Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass. Today Oberg plays every style, including occasional stints with classical groups. He's a total master of his instrument, and his technique is impeccable; it's almost as impressive to watch him play, as to listen to him.

This is his seventh album. His supporting group includes keyboards, bass, drums, sax, synthesizer and additional percussion instruments. Oberg wrote only one of the tunes; the rest are covers of melodies from many genres, predominately Latin in nature.

All are masterful.

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