WITHOUT WORDS

Without Words

Robert Tardik | Self Produced (2006)

The Sunday shimmer and tropical warmth of Robert Tardik's instrumental version of Sting's ”Fields of Gold” doesn't need lyrics. On its own, elevated by Tardik's seductively pretty acoustic strings, the piece generates a feeling of summer transcendence; you don't need Sting's voice for the song to transport you into another world.

On Without Words, Tardik showcases his mastery with the nylon guitar, his fingers weaving various moods and textures. On “Summer Time,” Tardik's crisp guitar work creates a lulling affect. It's almost hypnotic how Tardik subtly captures the laid-back atmosphere of vacation getaways. There are really no lyrics needed; the supple, dreamy music paints vivid illustrations of its own. With the next track, “Smoothy”, Tardik speeds up the tempo, producing an upbeat and thoroughly soothing vibe.

However, the real key to Tardik's success is his eclecticism and willingness to adopt international flavors. “Salsa Nights”, for example, engages the ear with a saucy Latin beat; it's one of the best tracks on the record, sizzling with brazen sensuality and exotic colors. And this isn't just about Tardik's guitar playing, either. “A World Apart” features robust, thrilling percussion.

The covers of “Fields of Gold” and Madonna's “La Isla Bonita” are courageous moves, displaying not only Tardik's versatility but lack of fear in crossing over into a pop field often shunned by jazz purists. But Tardik makes the songs his own. “Fields of Gold” has a mesmerizing afterglow, and “La Isla Bonita” strips away its old Top 40 gloss for a truly authentic taste of Spanish culture.

Visit Robert Tardik on the web.

Track listing: Summer Time; Smoothy; Salsa Nights; That's a Strut; Fields of Gold; You Know What I Mean; A World Apart; Take One; A Beautiful Sad Song; Get Up; La Isla Bonita; Manha De Carnaval; A New Life.

Personnel: Robert Tardik: guitar.

Style: Contemporary/Smooth

Author: Michael Sutton
All About Jazz
Link to Original Review - http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=22941

'TARDIK, ROBERT'
'Without Words'

- Genre: 'Adult Contemporary'

Our Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

You can call it "smooth jazz" or "Adult Contemporary" or, is in the case of the opening cut, "Summer Time," even folk, but the crisp, soothing guitar work of Robert Tardik (http://www.roberttardik.com) defies categorization.

Balancing a number of influences, Tardik has an eclectic palate that adds spice to these laid-back instrumentals. Tracks like "Salsa Nights" has a striking Latin pulse, punctuated by horns, that is hypnotic to the ear. You fall under Tardik's spell. "Salsa Nights" paints such vivid imagery in the brain that lyrics are not necessary. There's a sense of liberation in "Salsa Nights," the sound of inhibitions fall by the wayside, that is intoxicating.

Tardik can segue from something as fiery and passionate as "Salsa Nights" to the tranquility of "That's a Strut" without losing a beat. The cover of Sting's "Fields of Gold" should help Tardik find a larger audience; it's nearly identical to the original, the biggest difference being that you don't hear Sting. Stripped of Sting's voice, though, it's truly a revelation, showing what a work of art "Fields of Gold" is, transcending the definition of pop. Tardik does it again on his version of Madonna's "La Isla Bonita," making it haunting and cinematic. Gorgeous.

But Tardik on his own is already special and compelling. "A Beautiful Sad Song" is lush and drop-dead pretty.

Author: Adam Harrington
Whisperin & Hollerin
© www.feeldesign.co.uk 2002 - 2006
Link to Original Review - http://www.whisperinandhollerin.com/reviews/review.asp?id=3707

WAVE FAVE

Robert Tardik - Without Words

If you're a fan of Jesse Cook and Johannes Linstead, but like a little more solid groove with your guitar, you will love Robert Tardik's debut CD "Without Words." His playing is soulful, playful and groove-ful. I love his WAVE 94.7 hit "Smoothy" - it truly is a smooth delight. "That's A Strut" continues to lay it down and Robert's take on the Sting classic "Fields Of Gold" is simple and stirring. I even like his version of Madonna's "La Isla Bonita"! Who knew Madonna could be smooth jazz? Robert is definitely one of my favorite new guitarists, perhaps because he plays with me on occasion! Check out his website at http://www.roberttardik.com/rt/ and come see us next month at South 202 in Milton and the Lowville Bistro!

Author: Vickie van Dyke
Midday Host
Wave 94.7 FM
Link to Original Review - No Longer Available

"Hi Rob, Just returned from Italy and had a great time. I wanted to thank you soooo so much for a wonderful performance by yourself and with Stephanie at my wedding on September 26th 2009 - Everyone commented on your music and how nice it was to have this music in the background - You truly added a special touch for the day - It made me feel so happy that we had you there - I thought with the limited time you had to play that song - "Better Today" - you guys did excellent - Most people thought our first song there was with a CD playing in the background until they finally realized it was performed live - Thank you again - It was a privilege to have you there...The whole night went off really well - you are very talented. Take care"
- Dawn/Matt Jardine

"Dear Mr. Tardik, Here's just to let you know we received the parcel all right, as well as the CD. Excellent guitar playing! We like your music very much, particularly your interpretation of La Isla Bonita. We put the CD on repeat. Lovely guitar sounds in the background. Please keep us posted once your new CD is out. Sincerely,"
- Janneke (also on behalf of Henny)
   Texas and Tweed Music, Netherlands

"We would like to thank you for a tremendous job with your performance at our wedding, it was absolutely spectacular and everyone enjoyed your selections. The music went together absolutely perfect for the ceremony given the fact that you had to learn the pieces that we chose and the dinner music couldn't have been better, it definitely beat having a DJ play random dinner music, the only thing that I am upset about is not purchasing your CD as I would love to be able to listen to it and be proud to say that, that guy played at our wedding. Thank you so much for being there it made our day memorable. I will definitely refer you to others. Thank you nothing but compliments!"
- Darrell and Jamie DosRamos

"Hi Robert, I enjoy your music very much. I like your compositions, the versions and the sound of your nylon string guitar. Congratulations! Keep doing it! When you have your new CD available, please send me an email. Best regards,"
- Francisco Pinto, Portugal

"Hi Rob, Thanks so much for the wonderful music that you selected and played at our executive function on the 1st of December at Crush Restaurant. You had many compliments and I'm sure, had you brought more CD's you could have sold them all. Everyone had a fantastic time and you truly are a wonderful musician and artist."
- Christina Tozer

"Dear Rob, I would like to say what a pleasure it was to listen to you play guitar, we all thoroughly enjoyed your great playing. We also listened to your CD on Saturday morning while having breakfast, it is incredible. My parents really found your guitar playing to be very well done. We hope to again attend another gig either at the same place or at another one of your gig spots. Warm regards."
- Glen Moss

"Hello Robert, The CD is AWESOME, keep on producing great SMOOTH JAZZ. I look forward to getting your new project when it's out. God Bless and have a Prosperous New Year."
- Dr. Larry D. Manning

"Hello Robert Tardik - just like to drop you a line and say thanks for your performance on Friday night at the Spinnaker dinner at Timos . We enjoyed ourselves and your music. We have also listend to your CD, it is great. We listen to it during dinner and hope to purchase any other CD, if you have any of the same type of music. All in all it was a great night. Thanks again"
- Punky Boyle