Personnel: Govi (various instruments); Don Lax (violin); Deon Estus (electric bass); Michael Feefrade, Bob Harrison (fretless bass); Karunesh (programming).
Appropriately named, composer/guitarist Govi's SAFFRON & SILK has the sensual, exotic feel of a midnight cruise down the Nile, a walk through an open-air market in Morocco, or a warm, lazy day on a Mediterranean beach. Packed with soft, swaying rhythms, and melodies that gesture to Egypt, the Balkans, and Spain, among other places, SAFFRON & SILK is a smooth, breezy treat for the senses. Govi's guitar playing is light and captivating, and the native instruments (which include the Turkish oud and the Greek bouzouki) give a tinge of authenticity to the aural journey. Romantic, calming, and highly evocative, this Govi outing is the perfect budget vacation: Just put on the headphones, and let yourself travel.