– General Description:
Victor Herrero is a Spanish guitarist and composer of both traditional and contemporary pieces. ‘Astrolabio’ (an ‘astrolabe’ is a device that can be used identify stars or planets, amongst other uses) is an album of solo compositions for Portuguese guitar.

The Portuguese guitar has a teardrop-shaped body and 12 steel strings relying on Preston tuners. It is generally associated with the somewhat resigned melancholic sound of ‘fado’ – a Portuguese musical genre most often described as having ‘mournful tunes and lyrics’. By removing this instrument from this narrow context and investigating other various musical forms, the sparkling tonal qualities of the Portuguese guitar (it can sound like a hammered dulcimer) becomes the center of attention.

This album is focused on the strings' natural vibrations, slide effects, some unusual tunings, and at times using the body of the guitar to produce North African-tinged rhythms. Every track is worth a listen. Enjoy.

– FCC Compliant: YES / NO
– Recommended Tracks: 1, 3
– Track Reviews:

1. (10:21) Tibi seris, tibi metis - ‘You sow, so shall you reap’; sparkling and beautiful, moderate to quick pacing
2. (9:56) Lila - quick-paced with thumping rhythm with a few breaks but gets stale
3. (6:11) Fulgar - fun glissandos and plucks
4. (3:46) Trémulo - ‘Tremulous’; islandy feeling with waves softly approaching and retreating
5. (4:16) Ondulina - moderate to quick pacing with thumping rhythm
6. (7:49) Zarpar - ‘Set sail’; very relaxing then very frantic