Born in Germany and boasting a Chinese-European heritage, Ottmar Liebert is a platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated acoustic guitarist, who is often lambasted as a purveyor of flamenco-lite. However, it is natural that so cos... more »mopolitan a figure should express himself via mixed influences. His sound is a seamless--some might say homogenized--blend of Spanish and other Gypsy influences, incorporating American jazz and rock, New Age, and even Euro-pop. Liebert is indisputably a fine technician, with a weightless, fleet, mellow touch. Ten of these 12 tunes are brand-new versions of hits originally recorded during the 1990s, such as "Barcelona Nights," "Snakecharmer," and "Dancing Under the Moon." Whether these light instrumentals please is a matter of taste, but Luna Negra's arrangements would be more effective without the hackneyed keyboard vamps. Ultimately, fans of the Gipsy Kings, Ketama, and Strunk and Farah will enjoy themselves, but flamenco purists might prefer Ramon Montoya, Juan Martin, or Paco de Lucia. --Christina Roden« less
Born in Germany and boasting a Chinese-European heritage, Ottmar Liebert is a platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated acoustic guitarist, who is often lambasted as a purveyor of flamenco-lite. However, it is natural that so cosmopolitan a figure should express himself via mixed influences. His sound is a seamless--some might say homogenized--blend of Spanish and other Gypsy influences, incorporating American jazz and rock, New Age, and even Euro-pop. Liebert is indisputably a fine technician, with a weightless, fleet, mellow touch. Ten of these 12 tunes are brand-new versions of hits originally recorded during the 1990s, such as "Barcelona Nights," "Snakecharmer," and "Dancing Under the Moon." Whether these light instrumentals please is a matter of taste, but Luna Negra's arrangements would be more effective without the hackneyed keyboard vamps. Ultimately, fans of the Gipsy Kings, Ketama, and Strunk and Farah will enjoy themselves, but flamenco purists might prefer Ramon Montoya, Juan Martin, or Paco de Lucia. --Christina Roden
Rozsi M. from SUDBURY, MA Reviewed on 5/11/2010...
I've had the pleasure of seeing Ottmar in person, once in the early '90s when he had a whole group with him, and once a few years ago as a solo performer. Each was delightful. Listening to this CD is like having him in your living room playing just for you. It's wonderful.
Cameron Ashley H. from LACEY, WA Reviewed on 3/28/2007...
Upbeat--Ottmar always consummate musician. I can play it several times in a row and not be tired of it. :)
Curtis K. from CODY, WY Reviewed on 2/22/2007...
A nice mellow, acoustic guitar CD with a Spanish flavor. Described by the professionals at Yahoo as a "mix of subdued flamenco guitar and South American percussion, rock, jazz, and pop influences."
CD Reviews
A Winner
John Rossi | Somers Point, NJ United States | 04/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you love great guitar music you can't go wrong with this CD. Mr. Liebert "christened" a new genre with his 1990 debut Nouveau Flamenco and has been at the forefront of that genre every since then.Now, Mr. Liebert is back with a gem of a recording. Several pieces here, notably the beautiful SnakeCharmer, and his first hit, the catchy dance tune Barcelona Nights, have been extended and given new nuances while retaining the melodies we all know and love. That's true of every track here really. It has the spontaneity and feeling of a live recording, without the distraction of crowd cheering and noise.Whether soft or loud, the guitar on this record is clear and crisp and really "strikes a chord" when you hear it. The percussion and horns and other things are nice, but they stay pretty much in the background and allow Mr. Ottmar Lierbert's splendid guitar work to shine through in the spotlight, which is a smart decision here. In addition to ten classic songs that have been re-worked, Mr. Liebert gives us Sao Paulo and Song For Pablo, two beautiful new tracks. If you are an Ottmar Liebert fan, you should love this. If you are not an Ottmar Liebert fan before you hear this CD, one listen to it may be enough to make you a fan. Peace, and God bless you."
Ottmar surpassed himself
salsag10 | Maryland | 03/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ottmar has surpassed himself in his new release 'Santa Fe Sessions'. The old favorite 'snakecharmer' is charmingly exotic. 'Sao Paulo' & 'Song for Pablo' are very refreshing.
Dan Aquilante of New York Post has described it best. According to him 'although it's a studio recording, it has the energy and feel of a live performance'.
He is right, many of these tunes hauntingly remind us of Ottmar's live performances.
Very desirable collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"
"Liebert strikes again with his unique style"
J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 02/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One can only summarize Liebert's techniques as universal. I happen to be quite a Libert aficionado and think this album represents a hands down best work he has ever down up to now. None of this guess work ~ you know who is playing from the very first chords, you're hooked. You want to immediately sign up for the "Ottmar Libebert Fan Club", because you want more of the same.I was completely swept away with "SNAKECHARMER", vibrant and catchy tunes take you away for over an eight minute cue. Being a devoted fan, each track on this album is to savor "TURKISH NIGHT", "SAO PAULO" and "DANCING UNDER THE MOON" ~ soft sensual and Latin American inspired acoustical guitar. You listen with eyes closed drifting from smooth laced mellow sounds of elegant yet riveting compositions.Total Time: 67:37 on 12 Tracks ~ Higher Octave HOMCD-80961 ~ (2/25/2003)"
Immensely enjoyable and inspired
Author Brian Wallace (Mind Transmis | Texas | 09/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"a remarkably satisfying, multilayered collection of songs that seem very modern but also rich in history. I believe that herein lies the magic of Ottmar Liebert - the keen and accomplished ability to synthesize from a variety of sources and then produce something that truly transcends all.An even greater life to these songs becomes apparent in the concert setting. The subtlety of the music comes across as much more powerful and, like artists such as Steve Stevens, a welcome improvement and unique twist to traditional Flamenco."
Ottmar fans will love it.
Author Brian Wallace (Mind Transmis | 03/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love anything this guy does, he cannot do wrong. I have to recommend another guitar album that I just bought. It is called Guitar Lullaby by Ricardo Cobo. It just like Ottmar's previous album for of soft, raw romantic melodies. You must search it out and get it. GREAT. Ottmar is king!"