Search - Ottmar Liebert :: Viva!

Not flamenco, not innovative, but not bad

broblue | Chino, CA | 03/31/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"OK folks, this is a complicated issue here, where I'm going to come down hard on this dude, but it's not all bad, so read this through. This music is not flamenco, and if you're thinking you're expanding your cultural horizons by playing this, you're not; you're still very safe within the realms of white bread suburban America. This album and Liebert's music is far closer to chicken salad than it is to paella.As mentioned elsewhere, ... I fear, though, that these characters might scare you away if you find Liebert to be innovative and emotional. These guys bleed flamenco. Liebert is lifeless compared to these guys.Liebert is as innovative as Kenny G is to jazz. They both play fluff, BUT that's not entirely bad. Their music is melodic, soothing and inviting. In artistic terms, it's safe, but this also means it won't challenge you in any way. But let's face it, after grinding it out during the week, some of us just want to hear some nice, safe music. This is it!As the great Duke Ellington once said: "if it sounds good, it is good." Who am I to argue with the greatest American composer? I play this disc, and everyone likes it: my toddler son, my asian wife, my ex green beret dad, his Iranian friend, my Mexican and Cuban neighbors, my born again Christian employee, and my zen Buddhist buddy. Everyone says "Who is this?" People like the tunes, most notably Barcelona Nights and Santa Fe. I guess if I had a hard core flamenco fan with an axe to grind, he or she might not get all mushy over this music, but being melodic and non-intrusive, again, safe, this music is a crowd pleaser.This is great music to play for dinner guests, barbecues, or for drinking lots of wine to, BUT, like drinking, should be taken with moderation, lest your brain turn to mush like muzak does. Lots of this is because of the unnecessary synthesizers throughout the album.That new agey stuff really waters down any spanish flair Liebert exhibits. His musical skills don't need the padding of the lame synthesizers. I'd prefer he just showed up with his six string and a couple buddies, plugged in their guitars and jammed, making some sweet tunes without any over production. His playing can stand on its own, but he'd probably lose listeners who need to be spoon fed their emotion, which synthesizers can do.In the end, I like the CD, but I don't love it in the sense that it's a spiritual awakening, or flamenco, or emotional. It's none of that. But it is good, sweet music."

Flamenco fury, the passion and emotion live!

broblue | 10/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The definitive Ottmar captured live. If you don't own an Ottmar disc, this is the one to get. It's erie how well this recording sounds. After numerous listenings I am still blown away at how it is recorded live and not in the studio. Sheer talent, musicianship and fine selection of songs make this cd solid from start to finish. Snakecharmer is the pinnacle of a man and his guitar on stage with nothing but the most beautiful tones captivating an audience. Very uplifting and spiritual...enjoy."

Explore new sensations every time u listen to this album

raef sherif | Alexandria ,Egypt | 01/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every time I hear this album I discover how great it is.Buy it & enjoy exploring ottmar liebert .It 's called Live.I find it full of life.All tracks are highly selected.
Snake charmer is an excellent piece of art."