Govi
Govi Biography
This California-based guitarist was actually born in Germany. His inspiration and style are similar to that of another German immigrant, Deuter, who co-produced and performed on Govi's debut album Sky High. Like Deuter, Govi spent a number of years living and studying in India, where he added sitar to his vocabulary of acoustic and electric guitars, mandola, and cello.Govi's music gained in popularity in the 1990s, with the expansion of peoples awareness of world music and a renewed passion for flamenco, spawning new age hit albums like Andalusian Nights and Passion and Grace. His music is a gentle, melodious combination of influences from around the world.
govi生长于德国，目前居住在夏威夷，作为一位新世纪音乐家，他用吉他这种天生丽质的乐器来表达自己的音乐思想，体悟新世纪音乐的悠远、亲近。用它善于变换的曲调，诠释着自己的音乐人生。
Govi Discography
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1986 Sky High
Govi
1986
Re-released: October 9, 1992
Label: Real Music
1. Dance With Me
2. Looking Into Your Eyes
3. Go Easy
4. Magic Island
5. Just For You
6. Sky High
7. Peaches N' Cream
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Sky High includes Deuter on every cut, and these two complement each other wonderfully. Govi retains his own unique expression throughout, and the second half, in particular, plays beautifully as a whole. For breezy guitar stylings with enough depth and strength to entice guitar aficionados while still retaining the light, airy feel of a balmy summer day, Sky High may become an often-played favorite in your collection.
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1987 Heart Of A Gypsy
Govi
1987
Re-released: February 10, 1992
Label: Real Music
1. Danza Del Mango
2. Amber Waves
3. Gitana (Gypsy Woman)
4. Pied Piper
5. Summer Breeze
6. Gypsy Heart
7. Festiva'l
8. In Harmony
9. Moonlit Shadows
10. Gitanas (Gypsy Women)
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On Govi's latest recording, he heads south of the border and lands squarely in the heart of the Andes. But in true Gypsy form, he manages to invoke the flavors of other cultures and lands as he travels through the musical spaces on this breezy tour-de-force. The strong South American influence is, however, less in The Inti-Illimani vein than in the style that fellow-countryman Deuter has previously explored on a few cuts, and similarities between these two artists are apparent on at least two or three of the tracks on Heart of a Gypsy.
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1993 Cuchama
Govi
May 6, 1993
Label: Real Music
1. Cuchama
2. Child's Play
3. Spirit Rider
4. Torero
5. Spring In The East
6. Hanalei Bay
7. Sangria
8. Inner Sky
9. Chill On Your Huevos
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Govi is a spirited guitarist with a recognizable style that incorporates elements from flamenco, Caribbean and jazz influences to create his musical statements. With no shortage of passion or virtuosity, Govi has a memorable sound that ranges from airy, tropical tempos to slower pieces to lively south-of-the-border rhythms. Other musicians such as Anugama, Karunesh and tabla player Daniel Paul make solid contributions to this fine effort from a superb instrumentalist with an obvious flair for the guitar.
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1995 Passion & Grace
Govi
September 1, 1995
Label: Real Music
1. In Wonder
2. Abundance
3. Embrace
4. Tears Of Joy
5. Kea Lani
6. New Dawn
7. Viva La Vida
8. Sailing Away
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This CD opened my ears and mind to a whole new spectrum of guitar based music that caused me spend big $$$$ to upgrade my mid-fi stereo system to high end; a decision that I'll never regret. Maybe better than any other Govi release, this CD showcases the widest range of his immense musical talents. The softly played songs are full, detailed, open, and introspective while "Viva La Vida" makes me feel like I am riding a galloping horse, in the southwest desert, at full speed while enjoying a day of playing hookey from work. The end result of this fullfilling music is not only the great sound but the warm/happy feelings that the music generates
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My association with Govi started after i bought "Guitar Greats - Best of New Flamenco" seven months ago. From the very first GOVI track I ever listened to ('Treasure Bay'), my mind was in-tuned with splendid, first-class relaxing and enchanting guitar music. So good is that track, i started to buy more of GOVI's albums. To-date, i've collected "Seventh Heaven", "Andalusian Nights" (both from Higher Octave Music). Subsequently I purchased "Guitar Odyssey" (Real Music). With three outstanding GOVI albums under my belt, I went further ... and now, I proudly own another beautiful CD fom Govi.."PASSION & GRACE"...
'Passion & Grace' (also from Real Music) exhibits the grand style of guitar playing from the Man himself. So enlightening, so relaxing, this album exudes such beautiful melodies that I'm totally captivated and transformed into a state of euphoria, from the opening guitar riffs till the last bits from this rather short (46:22) CD! Never mind the short running time, just spin it again and again. I never get enough of Govi's P&G. Remember? - I have three other superb GOVI albums to satisfy my passion for Govi's music. All tracks from P&G are excellent, but my favourites gotta be "Tears of Joy","Sailing Away" and "Kea Lani"
[TECH NOTE: Govi's albums, both under the older label (Real Music) and current label (Higher Octave Music) are truly of 'audiophile' status. Even with my mini-bucks entry level hi-fi system, the recording/sonic qualities on these labels are (to me at least) at par with the other world-acclaimed audiophile record labels. The pristine tones/timbre (attack & decay) from Govi's various types of guitars are laid bare for your discerning ears. Absolutely brilliant!]
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Have you ever be transformed into a different time and place by music? Well, this album will take you to a wonderful place in your mind. I call it my dream vacation music. When I listen to this amazing artist play, I just want to be sitting on the sand, watching the waves crash down, while I drink my mai tai. Govi mixes sounds of Spain and the Carabian with utilizing guitars and wind instraments. If you like flameco, steel drums, flutes, and classical guitar styles, then you'll love this album.
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1997 Guitar Odyssey
Govi
May 16, 1997
Label: Real Music
1. Sails Of Joy
2. Magellans Beat
3. Turquoise Galleon
4. Lovers Moon
5. Beach Fire Dancers
6. Dolphin Escort
7. Treasure Bay
8. Your Lingering Touch
9. Rhumba De La Noche
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Govi sets the spirits soaring and the hips swaying on Guitar Odyssey, an intoxicating blend of guitars sweetened with breezy South American pan pipes and sensual rhythms. With a treasure chest full of tracks encompassing the high spirited 'Sails of Joy,' the soulful rhumba of 'Treasure Bay,' and the romantic tenderness of 'Your Lingering Touch,' Govi's virtuosity is showcased on Guitar Odyssey, a truly joyful adventure.
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1999 Andalusian Nights
Govi
January 26, 1999
Label: Higher Octave
1. Persuasion
2. Andalusian Nights
3. Gypsy Magic
4. Serenade D'Amor
5. High Spirits
6. Rumba Tumba
7. Carry Me Away
8. Glimpse Of Spain
9. Simplicity Of The Heart
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Andalusian Nights is an exquisite adventure into the land of intrigue, passion and sweet persuasion. Incorporating the sparks of "New Flamenco," the flair of Latin rhythms and the allure of Gypsy guitar styles, Govi's melodies are warm, sensual, rare and ultimately irresistible.
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1999 No Strings Attached
Govi
July 13, 1999
Label: Real Music
1. Rhumba De La Noche
2. Gypsy Heart
3. Cuchama
4. Persuasion
5. Danza Del Mango
6. Treasure Bay
7. Viva La Vida
8. Torero
9. Abundance
10. Sails Of Joy
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No Strings Attached celebrates master guitarist Govi at his exuberant best. This album jumps with a lively, tropical beat.
Govi's intoxicating rhythms spiced with Andean pan pipes, timbalis and Indian tablas lend a world music flavor to his dazzling virtuosity. No Strings Attached brings together his liveliest tracks in a free-spirited fiesta of sound, featuring selections from Guitar Odyssey, Passion & Grace, Cuchama, Heart of a Gypsy and Andalusian Nights.
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Govi's seventh album No Strings Attached features songs from his releases Guitar Odyssey, Passion & Grace, Cuchama, Heart of the Gypsy, and Andalusian Nights. The master guitarist's hypnotic playing is accented by pan pipes, tropical beats, and tablas for a global fusion of sounds.
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2000 Seventh Heaven
Govi
August 15, 2000
Label: Higher Octave
1. Rising In Love
2. Mediterrano
3. Havana Sunset
4. Walking On Clouds
5. Disappearing Into You
6. Language Of The Heart
7. Gypsy Heaven
8. Jacaranda
9. Garden Of Eden
10. Wings Of Love
11. Cuchama
12. Treasure Bay
13. Viva La Vida
14. Torero
15. Abundance
16. Sails Of Joy
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Tame even by Govi's standards, Seventh Heaven is a pleasant dinner-party assortment of lightweight, flamenco-tinged instrumentals for acoustic guitar and small ensemble. A capable player and an agreeable composer, Govi has always resided at the softer end of the nouveau (read: smooth) flamenco continuum, only occasionally striking the sort of sparks associated with more ambitious players such as Jesse Cook, Oscar Lopez, or Ottmar Liebert. Instead, Govi targets the easy-listening crowd, and, in that context, serves up a fitting assortment of light-on-the-ear tunes that feature modest Latin and Spanish accents. Polite and cleanly played, Seventh Heaven may be a bit too gentle for some listeners, though others will find it goes very nicely with a good book and a Chardonnay. If pretty, Anglicized guitar music with a more pronounced flamenco influence is your preference, you would do well to investigate the Johannes Linstead album, Kiss the Earth.
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Seventh Heaven is guitarist Govi's seventh release (surprise) overall and the second for his comfy new home Higher Octave. Noted for his fluid melodies on previous releases, Guitar Odyssey and Andalusian Nights, Govi camps out in Hawaii and unfurls a lush layering of Nouveau Flamenco, Latin, Gypsy, and, yes, Hawaiian styles, lightly backed by percussion and keyboards. First track "Disappearing Into You" dances with nimble fretwork by both Govi and guest bassist Nadama from Malimba Records. On this album, the titles tell a lot in terms of geographic style: "Gypsy Heaven," "Havana Sunset," and "Mediterrano." Love as the main theme wins out in the brief but romantic "Language of the Heart," "Walking on Clouds," and final track "Wings of Love," with sound programming by guest Etherean artist Karunesh.
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A refined collection of flamenco-styled classical guitar in Govi's familiar style. Seventh Heaven is an ideal soundtrack for sitting on the veranda, overlooking the coffee bean fields and sipping a fine dry wine -- or maybe just adding a little class to some re-heated Mexican food in your cramped apartment. The smooth, soft guitar work from this California-based musician has sold millions of albums and offers a perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening.
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2001 Your Lingering Touch: Govi at His Romantic Best
Govi
Jun 5, 2001
Label: Real Music
1. Tears of Joy
2. Magellan's Beat
3. Sailing Away
4. Your Lingering Touch
5. In Harmony
6. Sangria
7. Lover's Moon
8. Torero
9. Sky High
10. New Dawn
11. Spring in the East
12. Amber Waves
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Easy-listening music doesn't come much easier than the uncomplicated melodies on this undemanding yet pleasant showcase for German guitarist Govi. Your Lingering Touch features a dozen contemporary instrumentals from five previously released recordings. The collection focuses mainly on slow and midtempo works in which Govi stirs up soft clusters of chords and nudges them along with gentle, understated embellishments. The mix includes a subdued samba ("Sangria"), a hint of blues ("Lover's Moon"), traces of Spanish music ("Torero"), the Mark Knopfler-like "Sailing Away," and the highpoint, the mind-wandering title track from his 1988 LP Sky High. While it may be a bit sugary in places, Govi's music is earnestly performed, easy-to-digest guitar music that sets and sustains a congenial mood.
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"sensuous tracks...just made for the end of the day...well stacked throughout...a bonifide chart item".
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Album Description:
Dreamy guitar melodies are a Govi specialty, luscious love songs flowing from playful flirtation to smoldering slow dance. To intensify the passion in your life, Your Lingering Touch draws together Govi's romantic best from Guitar Odyssey, Passion & Grace, Cuchama, Heart of a Gypsy and Sky High.
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Many new age artists enjoy choosing generic album titles that convey little about the music they play, but the spirited acoustic guitarist Govi proves the exception to this rule. Titles from his catalog -- Passion & Grace, Guitar Odyssey, and Heart of a Gypsy in particular -- reflect his basic intent to take us to places within ourself with music that's graceful and seductive, gentle but emotionally powerful. This recording draws together 12 gently exotic, flamenco-based moments from his six previous Real Music recordings. Tunes like "Tears of Joy" lope along with a cool strut, almost like a character whistling to himself in an old Western town. "Magellan's Beat" features a hypnotic flamenco strum enhanced by haunting echoing Native American flutes; on this tune, Govi's guitar is very much like that of Lobo from the gypsy violin-guitar duo Willie & Lobo. The title track is less ethnic -- just a simple, dreamy guitar melody. "Sangria" rolls casually along like a samba enhanced with an echoing electric melody. "Lover's Moon" also showcases Govi's way with cool electric blues. And who can resist the nature sounds at the beginning of the whimsical "New Dawn"? Govi is more intent on creating a gentle, swaying vibe than anything too explosive or dynamic, and our inner peace seems to be the goal of his exotic meditation music.
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2002 Mosaico
Govi
March 12, 2002
Label: Higher Octave
1. Bumblebeat
2. Euphrates
3. Spieg Dream
4. This Precious Moment
5. Mosaico
6. Wave Rider
7. Aphrodisiac
8. Smooth As Silk
9. Carousel
10. Moon Over Water
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The nuevo flamenco trend in America has influenced many artists to jump on the Latin guitar bandwagon, especially within a smooth jazz format. With his latest album, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Govi strives for a pop-friendly Latin guitar brew that stirs in subtle musical flavors, but the end results are not as dynamic as one might expect. In fact, two of the songs sound like Strunz & Farah lite, as Govi attempts a similarly modern sound but without the impressive technical virtuosity. To his credit, Govi does try different approaches, whether integrating sitar into the low-key "Spicy Dream," playing subdued electric guitar on the sentimental "This Precious Moment," or exploring an upbeat soukous vibe on "Afrodisiac." He has some ideas here, but it's surprising how he can take a potentially intriguing combination--specifically the acoustic guitar strums, bluesy electric axework, dancing panpipes, and bouncing bass found on "Carousel"--and make it sound so safe.
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2004 Saffron & Silk
Govi
February 24, 2004
Label: Higher Octave
1. Call of the East
2. Saffron & Silk
3. Carioca Cat
4. Baile Del Corazon
5. Into The Night
6. Neroli
7. Heartstrings
8. Road To Instanbul
9. Marrakesh
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One of the most acclaimed composer/recording artists of new age and world music, Govi has grown and expanded his musical repertoire in leaps and bounds over the past 15 years since his debut in 1988. This latest offering brings his music to new realms of uplifting rhythms and captivating melodies. His silky guitar playing is deliciously spiced with musical flavors of the east--sitar, Greek bouzouki and Turkish oud, as well as Gypsy violin and gutsy bass. Once again, Govi proves his merit as one of the most acclaimed composer/artists of contemporary instrumental music in the last 15 years.
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Born and raised in Germany, guitarist and ethnic fusion master Santoo Govi named his fourth Higher Octave release, Saffron & Silk, as an ode to his longtime affinity for Eastern music, which he first cultivated during a nine-year stay in India. But as the tracks unfold, the listener feels as though the musical journey is going to many different places, including a soulful stop in "Marrakesh," which includes passages from many of Govi's more exotic stringed instruments, and the "Road to Istanbul," where the oud and steel strings lead and the sitar follows. The opener, "Call of the East," sets the itinerary by fusing traces of Govi's early background as an electric rock guitarist with his later love for the melodic possibilities of the flamenco guitar, swirled in an ambient sitar harmony. He delves into the heart of Latin America for the folksy "Carioca Cat" (named after the cool "screech" at the end of some of the lower-toned 12-string lines) and playful flamenco-tinged "Danza del Corazon." Despite all of the exotic rhythms in his music, Govi's overall approach seems designed to soothe and inspire the soul and take you at least in spirit to the paradise surroundings of his digs in Maui, where he's lived for the last ten years.
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2005 Havana Sunset: The Best of Govi
Govi
March 29, 2005
Label: Higher Octave
1. Andalusian Nights
2. Rising In Love
3. This Precious Moment
4. Baile Del Corazon
5. Persuation
6. Bumblebeat
7. Havana Sunset
8. Euphrates
9. Gypsy Heaven
10. Call Of The East
11. Rumba Tumba
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Havana Sunset is a collection of 11 previously released tracks (60 minutes' worth) selected from the German-born guitarist's four Higher Octave recordings: Saffron & Silk, Mosaico, Andalusian Nights, and Seventh Heaven. As one would expect, it's an easy-on-the-ear showcase for Govi's unerringly pleasant flamenco stylings--warm, graceful, and sanguine. Govi clearly does not create music for flamenco purists; instead, he targets listeners who enjoy the gentler side of flamenco's cheery colors, and he obliges by creating smooth, catchy, midtempo selections that are imbued with refined playing and a nonblistering pace. It is what it is: Nice, undisruptive background music well-suited for a patio party ("Persuasion" sets a particularly attractive mood) or a top-down cruise along an oceanfront highway. Put Govi in approximately the same league as Johannes Linstead (though Linstead's melodies and arrangements can be more complex) or Oscar Lopez (a skilled player who often favors a more spirited flamenco sound).
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2006 Jewel Box
Govi
March 21, 2006
Label: Higher Octave
1. Ruby Lips
2. Moonstone
3. Medallion
4. Nettie Gem
5. Sapphire Sky
6. Diamond Sutra
7. Gandhi With The Jewels
8. Diamonds In The Dew
9. Emerald Eyes
10. My Precious
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From a Turkish caravan to warm Hawaiian shores, Govi deeply lyrical guitarwork evokes vivid images that have touched millions worldwide. One of the most acclaimed and best-selling contemporary instrumental and ethnic fusion musicians, each of Govi previous albums have all reached the Top 10 on Billboard New Age chart and remain strong sellers well after street date. JEWEL BOX is sure to confirm Govi place as the genre leading artist. Featuring all new music, JEWEL BOX shines with his unique artistry and compelling songcraft and reveals one of Govi greatest treasures to date. Govis fascinating blend of polyrhythmic global grooves and lush electric and acoustic guitar melodies have played an integral role in the growth of new age and world music for over 15 years. On his fifth Higher Octive Music release, JEWEL BOX, Govi expands his musical horizons and compositions with keyboardist - composer Richard Rose. A new dimmension for fans old and new, enhancing his magical guitars and heavenly harmonies with the exotic sounds of Indian sitar, and Turkish Oud. This new album Jewel Box deeply touches the emotions and sends the spirit to new heights.
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With nine recordings (minus compilations) that all follow the same recipe, yielding a likeable, easily palatable (i.e., white-bread smooth) form of flamenco music, German-born guitarist Govi strives to expand his stylistic reach on Jewel Box. He might be better advised to stick with what he knows best. Straying into territory already well served by artists such as Chuck Loeb and Larry Carlton, Govi straps on a Stratocaster for three opening tracks, elsewhere explores pop-jazz motifs (in the Craig Chaquico-like "Gandhi with the Jewels" and "My Precious"), and even takes aim at a sitar-based raga ("Diamond Sutra")--all to generally bland effect. The compositions are pleasant enough, and the jazzy "Medallion" may even win him the radio airplay he may be seeking by traveling this route. Yet his efforts are largely undermined by his single-artist-in-the-studio approach, which deprives the music of the snap and sparkle that an ensemble could generate. Usually an artist's expansion into new terrain is a laudable exercise, but on tracks where he returns to his familiar, sunny flamenco stylings ("Sapphire Sky," "Emerald Eyes"), it's evident where Govi's strengths lie.
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Govi's earlier albums are all fantastic; but I have been waiting years for him to plug in his guitar more often and to pick up the pace a little. He does that on Jewel Box, which has the unmistakeable sound of Govi with an added electric groove. I totally disagree with the music reviewer (above) who implies Jewel Box is a move by Govi towards the sound of Larry Carlton, etc. Yes, Jewel Box is different from Govi's earler albums, but as always he creates his own unique and beautiful style of guitar music. The nice thing about Jewel Box is that it enhances Govi's music collection, rather than just adding to it.
Not to worry, Jewel Box does have a few tracks with the traditional Govi "flamenco" acoustic guitar sound: track #5 Saphire Sky and #9 Emerald Eyes are beautiful tunes that would easily fit right into any of Govi's earlier album releases.
If you like Govi's earlier works, you will love Jewel Box too.....I promise!
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Jewel Box is the best CD of Govi's to date. I have listened to this CD many times and I'm still discovering new passages that are terrific. It's refreshing to hear such new music with Govi's trademark sound. The keyboardist(Richard Rose)really added new demension and strength into Jewel Box.The blending of guitars and ethnic instruments, along with the great keyboards, is truly an art.Jewel Box is a very sweet CD. I can't wait to listen to it again. Also looking forward to the next CD from the new team!!
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2008 Touch of Light
Govi
September 16, 2008
Label: Higher Octave
01. Espresso
02. Valencia
03. Romance Dance
04. Touch of Light
05. Turkish Delight
06. Bitter Sweet
07. Yin Yang
08. Swaying Palms
09. Savanna Rains
10. Passionfruit
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Listening to Govi play his guitar, it's hard not to imagine yourself somewhere warm and exotic. He has a natural knack for creating music that has a strong sense of mood and place; it's very imagery rich with a note of romantic abandon. It takes a 'back to basics' approach for the guitarist, who had been moving in more of an ethnic direction with his last couple of albums. Here, he focuses on compositions that are rich and full of the simple joy of Govi's flamenco guitar melodies. It's one of his most appealing albums in years, reminding listeners of why they embraced his music in the first place - the sultry beauty and languid bliss of Govi playing that guitar against a breezy samba backdrop.