Last year, I chose Rubáiyyát of Omar Khayyam as one of my 10 favorite recordings for 2004, and noted that the cover design had to be my favorite for the year. Now that Milagro Acustico has two recordings released on major labels, I hope their work will not fall into obscurity. It is exciting to know that they are hard at work on their next project, and I, for one, am looking forward to its completion. I highly recommend their releases, and recommend keeping a steady eye (and ear) out for future ones. Gypsy Flores – POPMATTERS:COM (USA) The Italian lead singer Fransesca Suriano Brilli has a lovely voice and sings mostly in a melancholic style, beautifully reflecting the background of the music. The Near Eastern music styles prevail on the album, most distinctive through melancholic chants and Eastern percussion. Music that might not be that accessible to friends of European music, but undoubtedly impressive and moving. Michael Moll – FOLKWORLD (Germany) …It has that edgy, modern Italian Opera feel that you sometimes hear on Cirque du Soleil soundtracks. Once again the santur takes center stage as well as lively percussion. The voice of Fabio Dell’Armi and Francesca Brilli’s sweet voice makes it a very memorable song. The music of Rubaiyyat of Omar Khayyam is the remarkable creation of World music composer Bob Salmieri. Combining the Sicilian and Persian cultures, he has made an album of unique beauty that defies description into a common genre. Along with thirteen other musicians and vocalists the music entertains as well as reminds us that not everything that comes from the Middle East is, was, or will be evil. I truly enjoyed listening to this music. RJLannan – NEWAGEREPORT.com (USA) …I especially enjoyed vocals by Francesca Suriano Brilli, Simona Ferreira and others. Salmieri is one of my favorite modern composers mixing world music with other genres. He possesses a vast imagination and I enjoy the spiritual overtones of his compositions. Patty-Lynne Herlevi – WORLDMUSICCENTRAL (USA) … “The Rubaiyyat of Omar Khayyam” is a meditative, dreamlike journey to a mythical place where cultures merge in peace. Perhaps a dream of what is possible? JC Tripp – MUNDOVIBES (USA) Music that transcends cultures (effectively) is rare. A simple, yet beautiful, mix of musical stylings from Italy. I would recommend headphones, at least for the first round, but no matter how you choose to listen to it, be sure to establish an environment that provides no interruptions. This gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, & we hope to hear more from the group in the near future. RotcodZzaj – Zzaj Productions (USA) …This is a stunningly beautiful record at times, as befits the poetry, one which doesn’t put any performer above any other, but utilizes the qualities and talents of the whole ensemble to create jewel-like settings. It’s a reminder, not only of how lovely the words of the text are, but also that the music of the Mediterranean can contain crystalline melancholy as well as sunny vibrancy. Chris Nickson – AllMusicGuide …I suoni ondeggiano perciò tra una calma quasi trance e decise aperture in odore di etnojazz. L’equilibrio tra le parti non viene però mai meno e Milagro Acustico dimostra di superare la prova. Blow Up (Italy) The silk road featured on Milagro Acustico’s latest recording, Rubaiyyat of Omar Khayyam acts more like a magic carpet ride than the famous trade route. The music on this CD can also be compared to an oriental rug that weaves strands of musical stories, in this case, Milagro Acustico founder and composer, Salmieri integrates Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indonesian and Magrebin cultures, (hence the Silk Road) in style dubbed “World Chamber Music.” And the music here lives up to its intriguing description. It’s truly cutting edge and acoustic. Patty-Lynne Herlevi – Cranky Crow World Music (USA) Another fantastic release by the adventurous group Milagro Acustico. This CD is set to poetry by Omar Khayyam – a Persian poet from the 11th century. The music weaves beautifully the various moods set by the poems. An enchanting release! Zook Beat (USA) …Melancholy in mood the music reveals influences from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. …lending the music an early music or chamber-folk character. The vocals are predominately in Sicilian, translated from the original Persian text. CDRoots (USA) …I have had some rum albums to review in my time, but this one perhaps is the most unusual to date. The instruments run the gamut, and the sound is (loosely) perhaps best described as “avant garde jazz”.Methinks it will be a year or two before I get such an unusual album for review again. Dai Woosman – FolkWorld (UK) …this beautiful release is follow up to another concept project ‘I Storie O Cafe Di Lu Furestiero’. here the Mediterranean pools its musical influences and heritage to provide an enchanting setting for these graceful poems. Gorgeous. Graham Radley – Netrhythms (UK) Een nieuwe cd met muziek geïnspireerd door de kwatrijnen van Khayyám, vertaald uit het Perzisch in Siciliaans dialect door Bob Salmieri. De cd wordt in juli 2004 uitgebracht op het label Hearts of Space. Milagro Acustico omschrijft zichzelf als ‘Mediterranean Ensemble Music’ en maakt gebruikt van traditionele instrumenten uit het Middellandse Zeegebied en uit Perzië. Omarkhayyamnederland.com A plethora of instruments including guitar, piano, trumpet, santoor, bass, sax, flute, mandolin, udu, and various other percussion instruments. The overall music contains Mediterranean and Middle Eastern infusions. A very accessible album for the world music listener! P.E.Kirman – Insideworldmusic.com …Salmieri’s efforts are listeners’ rewards. Rubáiyyát of Omar Khayyám is seductive and compelling. www.newageretailer.com …Conclusie: vult u hier maar dat spreekwoord in met de woorden “grote boog” en “omheen lopen”. Bas Ickenroth – KINDAMUZIK (Holland) …The music Milagro Acustico on this album is rather moody and melancholic. It’s varied, accessible melodic world music, with of course the necessary ancient Arabic influences mixed with more contemporary and western elements. FUNPROX.COM (The Netherlands)