by Paula Edelstein
An international star who pulls at your heart strings with his romanticism and his gentle and sometimes fiery rhythmic strumming, Armik offers yet another remarkable example of his guitar excellence and nuevo flamenco sophistication on Guitarrista. As one of his most ambitious projects to date, eleven new songs envelope the listener in a array of romantic tones, heartfelt inspiration, and extraordinary experiences -- all which hail from years of combining his guitar virtuosity with the fine art of flamenco and world music rhythms. Armik's emphasis on delicate tuning and his fine art of fingering the perfect note gives the title track &Guitarrista& the subtleties of color, scale, and detail that have become the hallmark of his sound. &Felipe's Charm& is a rhumba that lures you into a serenade as gorgeous as the myriad of styles that trace only part of the arc of bright talent that Armik is. The changes blend seamlessly into classic once-in-a-lifetime lines. Discerning travelers have always put Maui high on their list because of its awesome sunsets and oceanside beauty. Armik captures the feeling of this breathtaking scene with &Maui Sunsets.& He paints an enchanted setting with acoustic, melodic strumming and intimate plucking that lets the natural beauty of his guitar sounds captivate, renew and inspire your senses. &Guitarra Fantasia& is an examination of perspective, a chapter in Armik's repertoire that displays several notes of whim and fantasy. Depending on one's outlook, it is either a piece with great possibilities on the dancefloor or a piece of Armik's history bearing treasured memories. Passion abounds on &Fire Within& with its true flamenco rhythms that Armik plays at incredible speed. His songwriting skills and guitar virtuosity are no secret as he punctuates this dramatic song with fiery colors, dramatic nuance, and the epic flourishes that have become his trademark. &Besos de Amor& ignites a romantic mood as you settle into Armik's exotic strumming which implores you to savor the kisses of love that this song depicts.