AMG Review of Cayenne

Ron Wynn
All Music Guide

Artie Traum is a fine acoustic guitarist, but this release was more of a showcase for his technical skills than a thoughtful or gripping effort. The 12 numbers were so short (none longer than four minutes) that frequently all Traum could do was present an opening melody, improvise briefly, and complete the track. In addition, they were mostly on the light/impressionistic side, creating an atmosphere that came perilously close to background caliber. Traum is too fine a player to be forgettable, but he was relegated more to coloration and establishing moods than to presenting accomplished, memorable songs.