Govi

This California-based guitarist was actually born in Germany. His inspiration and style are similar to that of another German immigrant, Deuter, who co-produced and performed on Govi's debut album Sky High. Like Deuter, Govi spent a number of years living and studying in India, where he added sitar to his vocabulary of acoustic and electric guitars, mandola, and cello.Govi's music gained in popularity in the 1990s, with the expansion of peoples awareness of world music and a renewed passion for flamenco, spawning new age hit albums like Andalusian Nights and Passion and Grace. His music is a gentle, melodious combination of influences from around the world.

Govi is a spirited guitarist with a recognizable style that incorporates elements from flamenco, Caribbean and jazz influences to create his musical statements. With no shortage of passion or virtuosity, Govi has a memorable sound that ranges from airy, tropical tempos to slower pieces to lively south-of-the-border rhythms. Other musicians such as Anugama, Karunesh and tabla player Daniel Paul make solid contributions to this fine effort from a superb instrumentalist with an obvious flair for the guitar.

Convincing proof that success follows its own path, Govi's life is one of many twists. He is a German-born musician who traveled to India before settling down in California and becoming a leading proponent of the nouveau flamenco genre anchored by Ottmar Liebert, Johannes Linstead, and others. On ANDALUSIAN NIGHTS, Govi collaborates with two other German New Age stalwarts, Anugama and Karunesh, to come up with the arrangements. ANDALUSIAN NIGHTS opens with the warm atmospheres of "Persuasion," the low bass murmurs and hand drums offset by Govi's delicate finger picking. "Rumba Tumba" and the brisk title track build in intensity, adopting the rapid, flamenco-style clapping strongly associated with the Gipsy Kings' most danceable tunes.

2CD's of relaxing New Age, Smooth Jazz, Downtempo music.