What to say about this young musician and composer who, from an early age, denotes a unique artistic concern and already domains such compositional tools comparable to that of much more experienced artists?
      Gustavo Santhiago is a handful composer. At 17 he releases "Ánimam", his first independent and original work, combining the functions of producer, arranger, composer and musician (keyboards, flute and bass) with great simplicity and mastery, as someone hardened in the metier of shaping solid but ethereal soundscapes, carving, with his notes, beautiful and timeless figures.
      In this album, his style follows the legacy of the progressive rock movement of the 70's (for reference we mention -among others - Yes, PFM, Genesis, Camel), tempered by constant hearing of ethnic music (mostly celtic and indian music) and contemporary jazz (Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, Egberto Gismonti and several other artists), consolidating a style that already denotes striking personality traits.

      Gustavo acts as keyboardist in the group Stratus Luna, a trio of young musicians (with atypical formation: keyboards, guitars and drums) born from an early fascination for music and member's family ties.

      His soloist path opposes to the collective heart of Stratus Luna, where the compositions and arrangements are the result of joint construction, and sometimes the internal dialectic of the participants. In these circumstances, the choice of an introspective path seems a proper direction. One way to preserve intact his own essence. The other group members (Ricardo Santhiago - brother guitarist, and Giovanni Lenti - cousin drummer) also contribute with bright interventions in Gustavo's solo work.

 

Giuseppe Lenti