Search - Jose Luis Encinas :: Aurora

A MASTERPIECE

feroce | Oakville, Ontario Canada | 04/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thought that following his debut album, Duende, this extraordinary guitarist could do no better. As an album, Duende reflects Encinas' uniquely refined personality. I have yet to meet a person that dislikes it. I bought Aurora in the hope of hearing more, but doubting that Jose Luis Encinas could surpass his initial success. However, after listening to Aurora time and time again, in conjunction with other music of its age (Dido, Emma Shapplin, Vangelis, Filippa Giordano, B-tribe, Ian Garbarek, Alessandro Safina, Robert Michaels, Gerardo Nunez, etc) I became convinced that this album is a true masterpiece, as it brings the Spanish guitar into the realm of voices, an astonishing feat for a guitarist. The clarity and beauty of this new voice remains, for me, unsurpassed in the world of guitar. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Jose Luis Encinas for reminding the world that not all songs are sung, but that some can be played with just as much eloquence, as an expression of the universal soul that feels in all of us. The title song is a testament to its existence. Aurora has surely surpassed Duende. And as for Encinas, well there are many words to describe a guitarist: young, talented, artistic, virtuos, fiery, unique, etc. But only a true MAESTRO can share DUENDE (the spirit of the moment in which music becomes magic) with the rest of the world. A MAESTRO indeed; my favorite among guitarists."

Lightning strikes again!

R. Uziel | Southern California, USA | 02/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On "Aurora", Jose Luis Encinas does it again! He has created musical magic through a spectrum of sounds and styles. His Spanish guitar takes the listener on a journey through an array of beautiful melodies which have that zest for life. Very worth- while listening! His song "Buscame" is featured with vocals by a Spanish singer, Mari Carmen Segura, and on the acoustic version of the song. "Huracan Rumba" is a sure-fire winner with it's lively guitar and percussive rhythm, "Aurora en Llamas" is romantic and reflective, "Dos Noches en Granada" evokes passion and romance, "Isla Mujeres" incorporates wonderful, Latin vibes and rhythms; "Cazador de Hielo" is flavorful, Spanish guitar with a Western- style appeal, while "Cortina de Niebla" has a very soothing quality and a harmonious melody that speaks to the heart. Overall, it's an incredibly energetic CD with an abundance of radiant talent. Listen to it and let it carry you away to romantic Spain!!! I love this CD!"