What people are saying…
-
"Emaginario" aka Ethan Margolis is an electrifying guitarist in the Los Angeles area.....He is an artist firmly in sync with an era of redefining of musical identities, in flamenco, jazz, and other formerly fixed musical genres."
— Joe Barth, Jazz Guitar Today (8/26/2024)
-
Margolis is a terrific guitarist - the stark trio settings enable him to display his precision technique and his creative imagination to full effect: there are no clichéd licks here, nor the empty showers of semiquavers that less creatively assured guitarists are prone to resort to .
— Eddie Myer, JazzWise (August, 2024)
-
Interlude of the Duende is a diverse and interesting recording of 13 pieces and the reward is what it brings to the senses. The 13 pieces in this recording push the boundaries of sound and sensibility and bring a sense of discovery and wonder to the listener. It is a recording to listen to repeatedly and embrace the revelations at every turn. Enjoy.
— Blues Jazz Scenes (7/23/2024)
-
Whatever it is that Emaginario (aka Ethan Margolis) is playing on the guitar on this album with Larry Grenadier/b and Eric Harland/dr, it sure is exciting. The strings chime on "A Beating Heart" and get rambunctious on the Brazilian flavored "Continuance", creating rich harmonic chords for "Roaming". Bold dynamics prevail as on "Peace in Tragedy" while well chose notes are on display on a deft "Del Duende".
— George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly (8/15/2024)
-
“A brilliant example of how to express creative ideas with expert technique, Interlude of the Duende plants a flag that’s colorful, creative, and transcendent.
— Michael Toland, The Big Takeover (7/1/2024)
-
"Well I think it's the most explosive mix that I have ever known in the history of Flamenco fusion. I don't think there is anything that arrives at that level or at the level that he is attempting to reach."
— Ricardo Pachón (producer Camarón de la Isla) (2015)
-
"Describing guitarist, composer, bandleader, producer and conceptualist Ethan Margolis as a citizen of the world barely does him or his music justice."
— All About Jazz (9/6/16)
-
(Margolis)..... unveils a visceral, new jazz track, "Say Their Names," six months after we called on our peers to post — or, in many cases, not post — a black square on Instagram.....Stream "Say Their Names" below and donate to MyGood, a charity benefiting families who have lost loved ones to police violence.
— Grammy.com (12/11/20)
-
Margolis' guitar playing in "La Referencia" is no less than brilliant: Its sound almost glows, bright and sharp yet warm and emotional—a musician using exemplary technique to let his soul shine through.
— All About Jazz (12/13/14)
-
If you’ve ever been to one of Ethan’s masterpiece Flamenco fusion shows, you know this is some hot hot stuff. Extremely cool, smart, and sophisticated work. This is the stuff of tastemakers, of tomorrow’s superstars, of giants.
— Actorama.com (10/30/19)
-
World jazz guitarist, singer and songwriter Ethan Margolis, also known as Emaginario, discovers his artistic identity on Songs of Mind, including the politically charged "Tantrum Town."
Matt Micucci, Editor’s Choice Selection for JAZZIZ magazine (January, 2024)
-
"As guided by master guitarist Ethan Margolis, Cihtli Ocampo may be the most dramatic figure on-stage this year...Even if you’re saving your pennies... consider seeing this rarely united duo in action."
— Pittsburgh Magazine (2009)
-
“Fierce and Triumphant…”
— Janice Steinberg, San Diego Union Tribune (2006)
-
Songs Of Mind, by Emaginario, is totally outside-the-box, as they say. What format would radio programmers use? What section would record store owners put it in? Beyond genre to the max, Emaginario -real name: Ethan Margolis - has fashioned an incredible statement of true pioneering adventurism. And he has help. This guitarist has eschewed his jazz roots to make a world-music album. No, that's not quite right. Flamenco? Americana? Blues? Well, not really. I mean, can one accurately put the music of Zappa, Bowie or Sting in a box? He wrote, produced and assembled an all- star cast of players mixed by Dave O'Donnell (who likewise has improved the music of James Taylor and Sheryl Crow). His palette of colors includes piano, bass, soprano sax, organ, drums, trumpet and vocals. Israeli guitarist Dan Ben Lior adds immeasurable touches as does Romani percussionist Ramon Porrina. Bravo!
— Mike Greenblatt, Goldmine (Feb 5, 2024)
-
“A Conversation in Flamenco, With Intensity and Charm…a triumph.”
— Claudia La Rocco, The New York Times (10/01/07)
-
Fresh from Spain performing his iTunes featured album, Sonikete Blues, the blend of Adalucian rhythms with blues and jazz creates a stirring fusion that’s as graceful as it is assertive.
— DiversionsLA.com (3/31/17)
-
“Flamenco revisits its family roots. Spain’s Arte y Pureza Company performs masterfully and adds vocals to boot….exemplary musicianship.”
— Lewis Segal, Los Angeles Times (10/01/07)