Sergio N. Lialin: “Siempre, Mi Amor” – as close to perfection as anything! |

Born and raised in San Francisco, the Russian descendant Sergio N. Lialin, first picked up an acoustic guitar in 5th grade at the Star of the Sea grammar school. However he began singing and playing songs in ceremonial circles in the rainforest of Brazil about 20 years ago. These songs are referred to as medicine songs, sung to heal the heart, lift the spirit, and bless the earth. In his debut album “Siempre, Mi Amor” (Always, My Love), Sergio N. Lialin leads the listener through songs in Sanskrit, Spanish, Portuguese and English with unique and lively instrumentation such as classical guitar, violin, saxophone, organ, gitalele, lap steel guitar, cello and Rhodes piano.

The international cast of musicians performing on the album, includes Gdlik (saxophonist from St. Petersburg, Russia), Yann (cellist from France), Paskal (accordionist from France), singers Cyrene, Sonya Stewart, (from Venezuela), Kristina Perez (from Sau Paulo, Brazil). Pianist Sean Nerney from Singapore and French cellist Yann are among the featured instrumentalists.

The appeal of listening to “Siempre, Mi Amor” is threefold: First, Sergio N. Lialin’s music is relentlessly resonating and mood elevating. There is a happiness and joy which never fails to make your outlook on life better. Second, the music is healing.

It cuts through tension and removes the stress and aggravation of everyday living. Third, it’s uplifting. The organically-driven, world music soundscapes are expressive and soul-moving. If these textures, melodies, harmonies and rhythms, don’t get your body and spirit subtly moving, you’ll need life support.

The amazing thing is, considering that this is Sergio’s debut album, there doesn’t seem to be a single misplaced or extraneous note on this entire recording – it is as close to perfection as anything I’ve heard. “Siempre, Mi Amor” is really a beautifully crafted album in every facet and detail.

Plunk yourself down and listen to this wonderful record. I’m sure you’ve come to think you have a pretty nice music collection. Whatever criteria you measure it by, Sergio N. Lialin’s music will make it better.

Once you’ve soaked this one up you’ll undoubtedly agree. From the moment you press play on the album opener, “Arpo do Universo (The Harp of the Universe)”, you’ll be mesmerized by the power of its harmonic and melodic structure – both instrumentally and vocally. Moving forward you’ll be struck by the gentle warmth of Sergio’s voice. His Spanish vocal on “Con Su Ayuda” is enticingly captivating.

“May This Be Clear (To All)” is one of my favorite tracks on album. It blends an uplifting folk melody interspersed with bluesy guitar and jazzy horn interludes. That this is an album one can listen to and treasure throughout the years and never tire of becomes evident on the sensational “Peace, Ayahuascita”.

Sergio’s voice here is a subtle and loving instrument, which together with the female harmonies soars like the magical vultures do over the dense green of Brazil. These same qualities can also be found in “This Will Prevail”.

Each song on the album stands on its own as an indelible testimony of Sergio N. Lialin’s felicitous state of mind, heart and soul, and which he so beautifully transmits to the listener on “A River (To Your Heart)” and “(So I’ll)Take It Easy”. Sergio N. Lialin’s music is soft, warm and smooth on the outside, but is laced with strength, power and energy just below the surface. “Siempre, Mi Amor” will relax you and invigorate you at the same time!