What Would Love Do Now - La Esperanza, Medeiros, Glenn
Chicago-based Carlos Villalobos has created a romantic, danceable music made up of flamenco guitar and percussive overlays on La Esperanza or "The Hope." There are reminiscences of the Gipsy Kings in here but Villalobos ma... more »kes a recognizable niche through these instrumentals that are introspective, urgent, and quietly uplifting all at the same time. The album dips where the Spanish flavor moves aside for a smooth jazz feel, but this is rare enough to boldly interrupt listenability. The appearance by singer Glenn Medeiros was enjoyable, but real highlights include "Gabriella's Lullaby" for its tropical melody and expert brush work (although it's unclear from the credits whether this was programmed or played by Villalobos himself), "Teaser" for its emotional vibrancy and percussion, and "Sueños," which dips into worldbeat waters. Overall, La Esperanza pleases well with energetic rhythms and vigorous expert guitar--not bad for an album whose biggest flaw is its jacket's rather dull, two-page list of grateful acknowledgements! --Karen Karleski« less
Chicago-based Carlos Villalobos has created a romantic, danceable music made up of flamenco guitar and percussive overlays on La Esperanza or "The Hope." There are reminiscences of the Gipsy Kings in here but Villalobos makes a recognizable niche through these instrumentals that are introspective, urgent, and quietly uplifting all at the same time. The album dips where the Spanish flavor moves aside for a smooth jazz feel, but this is rare enough to boldly interrupt listenability. The appearance by singer Glenn Medeiros was enjoyable, but real highlights include "Gabriella's Lullaby" for its tropical melody and expert brush work (although it's unclear from the credits whether this was programmed or played by Villalobos himself), "Teaser" for its emotional vibrancy and percussion, and "Sueños," which dips into worldbeat waters. Overall, La Esperanza pleases well with energetic rhythms and vigorous expert guitar--not bad for an album whose biggest flaw is its jacket's rather dull, two-page list of grateful acknowledgements! --Karen Karleski
"this is one of those c.d.s that you can put on continuous play, and enjoy with your favorite person, or at your favorite place. - good for atmosphere or background music."
La vida perfecta
08/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"La Esperanza is Ricky Martin's dream band. Erotic, moody, and introspective... this album is fodder for the soul. Admittedly, I listen to this CD way too much, but I hear something new every time. I'd also like to add that It's wonderful to hear Glenn Medeiros sing on something with some real spanish flavor. I hope to hear more soon!"
A feast for the ears
08/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"La Esperanza have created a musical masterpeice. Their album's blend of spanish guitar and hypnotic rhythms is a refreshing addition to my CD collection. This is much more than an upbeat new age instrumental or sleepy flamenco dinner music... it is a tribute to heritage and passion."
Unmistakably the best soulful flamenco music around
Robert Zulic | Sydney, Australia | 03/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had bought this album, some years ago and lost it, and just recently re purchased it, the music still today is timeless. I can honestly say that this is one of my favourite albums, the way the boys have mixed the sounds of flamenco and in some instances sounds of nature, especially in "Without You", its incredible. These guys are very talented musicians and am surprised there is not alot more of their stuff around, maybe thats what makes it all the more special and rare."
Great Album
David J. Crosby | 07/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I expected the Album to be good and was not dissapointed Enjoyed every bit of it."