Album Review—Kimo Vito by Kimo West and Vito Gregoli

Achieving One Of The Tall Purposes of Music Together: Proud Moments With The Musical Duo

In the world of acoustic guitar music, Grammy-winner Jim “Kimo” West and award-winning multi-instrumentalist and producer David Vito Gregoli frequently get into the headlines for their awesome musical creations. In the album “Kimo Vito”, the duo collaborates to bring out one of the most influential musical works in the genre. Incidentally, one of the objectives behind this production is to pay homage to Windham Hill Records, a label that has made significant contributions to New Age music. This album speaks a lot about their most innovative and eclectic approach to fingerstyle guitar. By blending their talents and unique styles across this production, they are able to give rise to a soothing musical journey.

The Creative Process

The collaboration between Jim “Kimo” West and David Vito Gregoli is marvelous and versatile in making this album unique and special in many regards. On many occasions, Vito has always admired Jim’s creative, sensitive, and perfect playing and composing skills. Their partnership on “Kimo Vito” has enabled them to share a creative experience that is delightful as well as enriching. The album features a variety of instruments, including acoustic guitars, soprano guitar, lap steel, sitar, tabla, world percussion, 12-string guitar, Tricordia, charango, Irish Bouzouki, fretless bass, and mandolin. This diverse instrumentation contributes to the album’s rich textures, and innovative tunes and melodies.

Tracks Analysis

1. Fragile

The opening track, “Fragile,” sets the base for the album with its delicate and intricate fingerstyle guitar tunes. The interplay between the guitars creates a sense of delicateness and beauty, ably reflecting the essence of the title. When your mind and heart are fragile, they are easily influenced and impacted. In a positive sense, this fragility allows us to be easily molded and nurtured by inspiring music too.   

2. In Your Eyes

Continuing the journey that began in the first track, “In Your Eyes” produces a more evocative and contemplative ambience. The quality of the tunes and tones make you spellbound, richly contributing to the emotional depth of the song. The melodies encourage an altogether different view of the universe, filled with freshness, joy, and vibrancy.

3. Land Of Dreams

In the third track “Land Of Dreams,” the album takes on a dreamy and contemplative quality. The music is haunting and reaches deeply into the heart creating an inexplicable feeling of joy, hope, and anticipation. As you move with the song, you feel as though touring in a distant land of ethereal beauty and spiritual energy. This is one of my favorite tracks in the album.

4. Let It Be

I feel the fourth track has been inspired by the classic Beatles song, “Let It Be”. This piece is a strong instance that showcases the duo’s ability to infuse new life into popular melodies. The sitar and tabla help add a fresh perspective to the song. As the track closes, you feel a rare kind of inspiration has pervaded your being.

5. Michael And Michael

The fifth song is an exceptional composition by the duo that brings out some of the best capabilities of finger-style guitar to the surface. I found this piece both soothing as well as uplifting. In fact, this track brings us an occasion to experience some of the most brilliant musical qualities of the duo.

6. On The Road To Windham

The purpose of this song is to pay homage to Windham Hill Records.  The sixth track “On The Road To Windham” ably captures the essence of the label’s astounding contributions to the world of music. The music textures in this track are rich and also expose us to enjoy the composition’s complex rhythms.

7. Pandora’s Musical Box

Aptly titled, “Pandora’s Musical Box” is a composition of magical quality. Somehow, I felt the ambience resulting from the harmonious synergy of different instruments bestows a playful mood to the song, which engages the listeners thoroughly to share the spirit of the composers. All through, there is something unpredictable and surprising about the composition that adds a special charm to the song.

8. Southern Coast

The music in the eighth track evokes the images of pristine coastal landscapes and transports us to tour some exotic destinations connected to some of the best in nature. The warmth and comfort you will discover in the tunes make you let go of your stress and mentally take you a step closer to your cherished goals.

9. Where Is Home Now

The ninth track delicately shifts to an introspective theme enabling the listeners to explore their identity and belongingness. The deep notes of the track resonate with your emotions making you look within and search for some hidden secrets that are powering your journey.

10. Sanctum

The final track is a serene composition that bestows a kind of conclusion to the musical narrative that has been engaging the audience through all the earlier tracks in various ways. There is a sense of peace and tranquility in this composition that lets you discover that much of your stress has gone away, leaving you with a pleasant and jubilant mood that will carry you forward for quite some time.

Take Away

“Kimo Vito” is a masterful collaboration between these two stalwarts in the world of music. In this album, the duo has created something that deeply connects with your heart and inspires you beyond compare. In this unique experiment, Jim Kimo West and David Vito Gregoli have successfully blended their distinct music styles into a harmonious and captivating musical journey. Each track offers something unique, and you feel the time stands still as long as you are with these tracks. This is a must-listen album by all those who understand and appreciate the fact that music has a lofty mission to achieve in us.