Search - Ottmar Liebert :: Barcelona Nights: The Best of Ottmar Liebert 1

Cross-pollination angers Nationalists

Author Brian Wallace (Mind Transmis | Texas | 09/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Oh please, all these people who are so worried about this genre blending with their sacred "Flamenco." Some of the best Flamenco-inspired music is stuff like this and the work of Steve Stevens, artists who think outside the box. Music is flexible and evolving; what you call it or label it doesn't matter. Nobody seems to mind that Ricky Martin or Enrique Igelsias represent "Spanish" or "Latin" pop music. To me, Alberto Iglesias would be the real deal! In my estimation, Flamenco has always been an art form influenced by many different forces and subject to change and evolution. Why is there such a nationalistic pride among many of its fans that ends up precluding such visionaries as Liebert, who have devoted their lives to making wonderful music, from taking part? Is it because he is not 100% Spanish? The same exclusionary mentality that wants to limit Flamenco works well in Bible music in the South. The irony is that a Latin talent is often more welcome in other genres than a Gringo's is to Flamenco. The entire genre of Flamenco suffers much more from exclusionary thinking than it does from cross-pollination. How sad that such a beautiful art form is tainted by control freaks. Those of you who bash the likes of Liebert bash one who is intensely accomplished and pays such homage and utmost respect (not to mention commercial attention and longevity) to the art form. Very sad, indeed. You should be bashing Ricky and Enrique first!Those of you who are so close-minded (You're probably ignoring me because of my Gringo status, anyway) should check out a really cool blue grass band I know. You'll be made to feel much more welcome than Liebert has in the wild world of Flamenco "purists."This album is a wonderful collection of soulful, technically masterful sounds from a true visionary who pays the highest tribute to Spanish guitar by infusing it with fresh blood and vouchsafing its wonders to the masses. And it's better quality Flamenco than lots of other stuff on the market! Oh, sweet blasphemy! This is no dilettante - this man lives and breathes his music.Other genres should only be so lucky!"

"August Moon...strikes a familiar chord of passion"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 11/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One can only summize Liebert's techniques as expressive and yes, universal...none of this guess work of who is playing this fantastic mood swing setting, from the very first chords, you're hooked...you're enrolled immediately to the "Ottmar Liebert Fan Club", and you want more of the same.Justification can only be the term used for the title and the opening track of this outstanding "Best Of" collection, ~ "BARCELONA NIGHTS", played over and over everyday on the easy listening, smooth jazz and classical radio stations...distinctive style is immediately recognizable...a mix of blues, classical, soul and of course flamenco...highly acceptable in all parts of the continent and world.But several highlights come to mind ~ "SANTA FE"..."DANCING UNDER THE MOON"...but my personal favorite hands down is ~ "AUGUST MOON", passion flows like red wine, only to leave you completely mesmirized by haunting refrains, gets under your skin and stays there for days, trust me! You might try other Ottmar Liebert (Higher Octave) releases, all worthy of a good listen ~ "Nouveau Flamenco"..."Surrender 2 Love:Best of Ottmar Liebert Vol. 2"..."Poets & Angels:Music 4 the Holidays"(great Christmas album)...please check out my reviews on amazon.com - music.Total Time: 59:52 on 14 Tracks ~ Higher Octave HOMCD-50724 ~ (2001)"

Don't listen to the fanatics

kar2nz | Little Rock, AR USA | 02/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I read reviews from fans of traditional flamenco. One objection was that these songs are instrumental. The alternate artists recommended were indeed great guitar players, but the singing in some cases was comparable to a cat being electrocuted. This may not be "real" flamenco music, but it is wonderful music in its own right."