Mimile et Toctoc by Simon Chenet: Review

by Gabe Finch November 10, 2022

November 10, 2022

Mimile et Toctoc by Simon Chenet: Review

Think of the silkiness of Chicano and Latin Rock from guitarist maestro Carlos Santana, and the whole vibe of a samba party down in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and you’ve arrived at the delectable sound of “Mimile et Toctoc” by Simon Chenet. The artist has a finesse and caliber that seems unmatched, this is because of the guitar licks he manifests, it is truly sublime and makes you wanna dance the night away.

I found the acoustic and electric guitar compositions in “Mimile et Toctoc” to be like a tango exchange between two lovers, or like a billion stars in the galaxy swirling in orbit. To me, once the artist starts with his sliding and arpeggio arrangements, it feels like a brain dance that takes a hold of my senses and fills it with sheet music full of interesting musical intonations and character. Honestly, though, Simon’s guitar-playing technique is nothing I have ever heard of before, at least not in this instrument! He brings the feeling of island-hopping to life, and with the accompaniment of some bongos, drums, and bass alignments, it sounds absolutely enchanting.

“Mimile et Toctoc” made me wanna move my body from the very second it started playing, and I gotta sit down man, my body’s aching a bit from all the movement. Darn, I’m out of shape. Anyway, see what I mean? It’s such a groovy rhythm, and the artist has this technique of moving back and forth on the guitar fretboard, and his playing style incorporates the sound of fast-paced bossa nova and some dance music as well.