Listener Reviews
Here you will find listener and professional music reviews. I always enjoy reading reviews and if you would like to be apart of this page just let me know via emailing your music review along with a brief permission statement for usage on this site.
(Please email aldo@aldoman.com to share your music review)
‘Magical, Moving, Work of Art
Reviewer: Deb Gunther
This is some of the most beautiful, uplifting music I've ever heard. It lifts you up and takes you to beautiful exotic places, giving you such a feeling of peaceful serenity, breathtaking moments in time!! The most haunting guitar styles I have heard in many a year, this young artist truly knows how to keep you in tune for every note, some of the most electrifying, captivating classical music I have ever enjoyed. Thank you "Aldo" for working your magic so very well, much continued success to you!!
‘Close To You’ Gives voice to the stars!
Reviewer: Jeannie Sanders from MI (www.myspace.com/pethikemou)
‘Close To You’ lifts you up to the stars, dips you in the sea, and warms you with the sunshine of a gentle guitar on this profoundly soothing collection. Guided securely at the hand of a confident talent, ‘Close To You’ coaxes you to relax and asks you to feel nostalgic; you will feel transported, yet comforted and safe when you are in the presence of this work. It is strong and lovely!
Enchanting, Captivating, Smoldering....Need I say more.....
Reviewer: Bridget Nickols from CA
Aldo, and his music are a credit to his profession. He is an extremely talented man, and musician. His music is so soothing, and peaceful that I have found that when I am feeling on edge, all I need to do is turn his CD on and within minutes I feel relaxed and at peace.!
Awesome, engaging & moving!!!
Reviewer: Joseph Stefanick from PA
This is one of the best new CDs that I have in my collection. Aldo's music is moving, very engaging and just plain awesome. I listened to the CD numerous times in my car while traveling recently. I had Goosebumps and tears at times; Aldo really puts his emotion into the music! This CD is a definite buy!
"My senses come alive, 'Close To You'..
Reviewer: Debbie
The commanding reverbaration of the deep, rich sound draws your attention, demanding you to listen… then gentle strokes, the kind that cause goose bumps, filter through the evils the day brought and gently places you on a warm, sandy beach, the ocean lapping at you heels as you drift, with each note, of the heartfelt, soul enhanced music.
5A ~ An Adorable Acoustic Aldo Album
Reviewer: William K. Smothers from Hockessin, DE
An instrumental album that has both upbeat Jazz grooves and low-key New Age soothing melodies, all with wonderful acoustic guitar playing by Aldo. This album's New Age Jazz sound is just wonderful. It should get a lot of playing time in your office and/or at home when you need to unwind! Not quite sure who to compare Aldo with...he has his own unique guitar sound. At times Aldo's playing on "Close to You" reminds me of Govi (Tracks 2 & 3) and at other times he sounds a little like Peter White (tracks 4 & 9), Thom Rotella (Track 6) or Chris Spheeris (Track 10). Aldo on this album sounds nothing like the blues/rock guitarists Santana, Satriani, Clapton, or Atkins mentioned by the previous reviewers (at least not to my ears).
Really great music, I enjoyed it immensely.
Reviewer: Shannon Nations
The music was inspiring and relaxing at the same time. It even made me cry. Please keep playing your music; you have touched my soul as well as my heart. Luv Shannon.
Excellent Guitar Music
Reviewer: Robert Lee Johnson from Denver, CO.
One of the Best Contemporary Guitar CDs I have ever heard. My Guitar Heroes are Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Andres Segovia, Julian Bream, John Williams, and I have to put Aldo in the class with the finer Guitarists.
Aldo Thanks
Reviewer: Elizabeth
The CD is wonderful. My 3yr old likes it alot. We listen to it in the morning before I drop her off to the sitter and in the afternoon. I can't wait for the next one.
Excellent Album! When is the next one!
Reviewer: Lance Yarbrough from Oxford, MS United States.
I like guitar music from Bill Monroe, Eric Clapton, Chet Atkins to Joe Satriani. It looks like I will have to add ALDO to the list. Just to wait for the slow fade up on Track 1, which is the title track, "Close To You" gives a sense of anticipation. Almost a tingle in the upper part of your spin and your ears can not wait to feel the strums of the strings. "Silent Star's" accompaniment gives a listener an Enya-like harmony yet adds an indescribable feeling to the music. Every one the ten tracks are an experience. I only wish that ALDO would give some indications to what inspired each song other than the title as a clue. If you were looking for a contemporary classical guitar album, on par with the skill, power of performance and creative genius as other performers like Yanni and Carlos Santana? This is the album for you. The album is excellent for background dinner music, relaxing, or other appropriate adult activities.
Phenomenal!
Reviewer: Jeanna S. from Bradenton, FL
Aldo’s music is relaxing, meditative and moving. “Close to You” creates the perfect atmosphere for any environment; it will make a connection with any mood or setting. Highly recommend for anyone who loves listening to beautiful, creative music. I listen to this CD constantly, and look forward to more from ALDO in the future!
Transcendent, Touching, Tantalizing... My new favorite CD
Reviewer: Katie from Aston, PA
Aldo, with his Close To You is a rare talent. While his style is difficult to name, one might compare the music to that of Ottmar Liebert, Enya, or Enigma. The acoustic guitar is full and mellow, but never too sweet. It lends itself to dinners by candlelight, lazy Sunday mornings, long drives, or as a stress reducer at the office. I listen to this CD all of the time. In short, I highly recommend that you listen to a sample, and then purchase it without delay. You will not be disappointed!
Great CD while entertaining with friends
Reviewer: Joe I. from Wilmington, DE
When I first listened to this CD......the first song Close to You jumped out at me.....It is not only an uplifting song....but I believe it's the heart and soul of this CD and the first step of how this CD brings listeners within a journey of moods..... My personal favorites....close to you,Angelina,The Dance and Reborn.... I'm looking forward to Aldo's second now that I have this CD in my collection!!!
Cannot say enough about how much I enjoy this CD!
Reviewer: Sam Rosano from Philadelphia, PA
I listen to this CD making dinner, relaxing at the beach, or just sitting on my deck with a glass of wine. We love it and so do my in-laws. It's very unique that people are always asking about the artist. I've been asked to bring this CD to a few parties. GET YOUR OWN!
Brings relaxation to a new level
Reviewer: Marc H. from PA
Brings relaxation to a new level. My wife & I have listened to this with a bottle of wine, & we have also played this in the car on our way to Church.
Mellow mood, great for relaxing
Reviewer: Bernie G. from Philadelphia, PA
Great overall quality on the recording. Aldo's picking style is really out front. His classical guitar phrases embody the whole mood of the album. If you like the works of Jessie Cook or Peppino D'Agustino, you should really consider ALDO's new cd.
This CD is TERRIFIC! When's the next one coming out?
Reviewer: Nic D
I just loved this CD. The only thing that I consider a drawback is that it doesn't last forever! The songs honestly take me to some place other than the place I'm trying to get away from when I listen to it. I wish it were a tape so I could flip it to side B and get another ear full. My toddler daughter cannot resist going to sleep when she listens to it; it's so peaceful and wonderful. Please put another out real soon!
My favorite relaxation CD!
Reviewer: Lorie Sollenberger from Malvern, PA
This CD is fantastic. I listen to it often and have shared it with family and friends - who also love it. The songs are diverse, creative, and beautifully performed.
A very soothing and romantic collection of original songs that lighten the spirit!
Reviewer: Denise I.
As a person with a very long commute each day to and from work, things can become quite stressful. I recently purchased the Close To You CD and find myself listening to it each day in my car as the soothing solos take my mind off of an otherwise hectic time! The music literally transfers you to a quiet / tranquil place. My husband and I enjoy kicking back in the evenings after dinner and enjoying the romantic mood the music brings as well.
Stress Relieving
Reviewer: MS Woods from Brookhaven, PA
I listen to this CD mostly in my car. I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs to transition from work to family.
GREAT listening anytime Can't wait for the next CD!!!
Reviewer: Chris Bowers from PA
Great addition to a music connoisseur collection! Bravo!
Aldo's music is beautiful!
Reviewer: Farrokh Attarzadeh from Sugar Land, TX.
I first came across the Aldo music through the latest release of a CD called Passion by Soothingmusic.com. This CD was actually the 2005 release of Mehdi, that I happened to have all his CDs and enjoy them all very much. Having listened to the Aldo tracks (3 of them) so many times, I decided to have the full CD by Aldo which I got about a month ago. Aldo's music is beautiful and all tracks sound just great. I recommend this CD to all instrumental music lovers.
Beautiful music
Reviewer: Thao
Definitely one of my favourites. The music is absolutely beautiful, can be enjoyed by everyone. This is what real music is! As for best track - Silent Star would have to be my favourite.
ALDO
Reviewer: Debbie Crudup
Absolutely LOVE this CD. I took it to work to listen to it over & over agin. Everyone in the office enjoys it as well. Looking forward to his next CD
Professional Reviews
Date of Review: April 2005
Reviewer: Bill Binkelman
Website: Wind and Wire
After multiple playings of this CD from Aldo (real name Alfred Donato), I find it hard to believe he's slipped under everyone's radar for so long (the CD was released in 2002). This album is a first rate exploration of acoustic guitar instrumentals (with occasional accompaniment on assorted keyboards and drum loops). The artist himself, on the album's cover, refers to his music as "Contemporary Classical Guitar." However you categorize it, it's tasty stuff, flavored with subtle hints of the Mediterranean, but also similar in sound (at times) to someone like Craig Chaquico. Better comparisons, however, would include Chris Spheeris or the duo Shahin and Sepehr, since Aldo plays with less glitz and flash (and electronics) than Chaquico is frequently known for, plus when he does spice things up with some world music touches, I was reminded of Spheeris (circa Europa or Eros), in particular.
Sometimes, a song features just solo guitar, such as the plaintive ballad "Morning" which breaks gently on one's ears, just as the dawn would peak slowly over a gentle hillside. He can also ramp things up considerably, as he does on "Endless Tide," which begins softly but is propelled toward a driving tempo by the addition of pounding bass and snare beats alongside over-dubbed guitars. He can spin a quasi-smooth jazz romantic ballad, such as the title cut (superb use of subtle synthesizer shadings on this song!) or quiet things to a twilight whisper on the enchanting "Silent Star" (yet more surgically precise application of synths and piano - this man could give a clinic on how to integrate keyboards with guitar). Throughout the ten tracks on Close To You (and by the way, no, he doesn't cover the famous Carpenters' song!), I was consistently impressed by both Aldo's production and his winning ways with melody, song structure, and, of course, his guitar playing. Whether he was playing delicate and somber ("Crystal Rain") or mixing pumped-up dance beats into some fiery Mediterranean-fusion guitar music ("The Dance"), the guy didn't take a single misstep. So, how in the hell have so many people missed him?
Here's hoping my review will catch the fancy of some of my guitar-loving readers, because I gotta believe if more people knew about Aldo, he'd enjoy more recognition, to say the least. Over the years, I've seen a lot of good-to-great talent go unrecognized, but Aldo's Close To You is simply too good to be ignored. If some big label hotshot talent scout has any brains at all, he or she will be on the phone or email to this man and sign him up. If he can do this well on his own, lord knows how much better he might get with some muscle behind him. I highly recommend this CD, especially for playing while driving since it has such a great sound and invites turning up the volume, even on the ballads!
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