Aside from the odd Ravi Shankar project, classical and world music fusions

seldom seem to work. Here's one that does. Violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg
teams up with Brazilian guitarists Sergio and Odair Assad on a set heavily
influenced by the gypsy music of Europe and the Middle East. Written mostly
by Sergio Assad, these are lively compositions, with dizzying guitar parts
punctuated by Salerno-Sonnenberg's piercing violin to great effect.
"Andalucia" is a stunning display of the trio's interplay; "The Chase" will
appeal to flamenco lovers; and "Gypsy Songs" is a medley of traditional
Hungarian folk tunes. On Django Reinhardt's "Nuages," the tempo unfortunately
plods along, but "Somogy's Dream"--based on the gypsy music of Transylvania--is
a glorious closer. If you like the guitar and world music, or were enthralled
by Joshua Bell's Short Trip Home classical fusion disc, you'll love this.
--Jason Verlinde