Arturo Vera / Ethan Mann: Acoustic Project (2012) By Dan Bilawsky for All About Jazz Published: March 3, 2012 The Acoustic Project is a confluence of classical styling, Spanish-tinged songs, and improvisational elements, brought together by two men who have ample knowledge and skill in all three areas. Guitarists Ethan Mann and Arturo Vera have known each other for two decades, having connected long ago when they were both at the Manhattan School of Music, and they share a deep musical bond that is evident throughout this album. Their journey begins with Heitor Villa-Lobos' "Aria," which marries Baroque and Brazilian qualities. They continue with Stanley Myers' "Cavatina"—best known as the theme to The Deer Hunter (1978)—giving it a bright and cheery facelift that completely transforms the nature of the song while also retaining key melodic and harmonic elements. The program continues as Vera and Mann visit the work of Antonio Car...