Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | No doubt Ottmar Liebert — whose success with Nouveau Flamenco way back when helped launch Lara's old label, Higher Octave Music, to national prominence — will continue to be the first name folks think of when they think of modern pop-flamenco. But this sharply played, powerfully rhythmic, and beautifully melodic collection, Lara's first since earning a Latin Grammy nomination for World Jazz as part of Lara & Reyes, should give Liebert's extensive catalog a run for its money. Fans of Sergio Lara and Joe Reyes who know of Lara only as a guitarist are also treated to his work on the ocarinas, guitar synth, acoustic and electric mandolins, ukulele, palmas, and cajon — all of which add an authentic Latin texture to the mix. The lighthearted, loping "Short Visit" is a catchy entry into an increasingly exotic experience that continues with the speedily played, percussion-intense "Makada" and the playful hum-along "Oyeme." On "La Llorona," Lara tones down for a deeper, introspective reflection that showcases the beauty of his higher-tone strings weaved over the mandolin. From there, he goes from balmy to quirky and witty, always finding new ways to weave his various strings into fascinating melody-harmony arrangements. While Lara has done solo projects before, his work with the duo has often made it difficult to see his talent as a virtual one-man band. While fans surely hope his time with Reyes continues, this exciting departure ranks as one of the best in this genre in recent memory. — Jonathan Widran
1. Short Visit (Lara) - 4:57
2. Makada (Lara) - 4:47
3. Oyeme (Lara) - 5:53
4. La Llorona (Traditional) - 4:02
5. Sabrosalsa (Lara) - 6:33
6. Pair o' Dice (Lara) - 5:00
7. Mis Paisajes (Lara) - 6:28
8. La Dama de la Vainilla (Lara) - 5:46
9. With the Rain (Lara) - 7:20
10. Kimes Park (Lara) - 6:12
11. Luly's Lullaby (Lara) - 0:55
Sergio Lara - Guitar (Acoustic), Mandolin, Percussion, Arranger, Ocarina, Ukulele, Producer, Cajon, Guitar Synth, Electronic Mandolin, Palmas
Polo Garcia - Design
Katia Lara - Electronic Mandolin
http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDSUB040406130921460098&sql=Al0jw7i64g7or |
Check this out!! Our own "countryartist"
