Search - Luis Villegas :: Guitarras De Navidad

SmoothJazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 12/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I hear this fun, festive music of the season from Spanish guitar virtuoso Luis Villegas, fond memories of Christmases past, growing up in Southern California, come flooding back... like memories of visits to historic Olvera Street; the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles. Hearing these infectious Latin jams of both familiar carols and traditional Mexican holiday songs take me back to those nights, filled with the sights and sounds of California Past. Tamales, timbales and Mariachi groups playing songs of the season. Luis Villegas' rhythmic GUITARRAS DE NAVIDAD may transport you some place special as well and no doubt you'll be tapping your toes all the way there with spirited treatments of "Carol of the Bells" and "Winter Wonderland" as well as delightful and sweet melodies like "Noche de Paz" (Silent Night), sung in Spanish beautifully by Martha Gonzales. I must also make mention of the killer Salsa version of "Jingle Bells," complete with horn section (ay, ay, ay)! It's perhaps the best version of this song I've ever heard! Luis also includes a most unique read on "Little Drummer Boy," adding the sound of the Arabian Ud and the masterful violin work of Charlie Bisharat to give it a distinct, Middle Eastern flavor. From first note to last, GUITARRAS DE NAVIDAD (literal translation: "Guitars of Christmas") is absolutely enchanting, guaranteed to brighten your holiday season. Feliz Navidad! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN"