Siete - 7729

Amazon.com It would be easy to describe the sound of Willie and Lobo as being similar to that of Ottmar Liebert's Luna Negra, but with a violinist attached. The problem with that description is it would be a disservice to this talented and underrated duo, whose Siete has far more musicality than the average flamenco-based production. While they've built an audience of world music and new age fans, this release could ignite more interest from fans of contemporary jazz. What Willie and Lobo have always displayed is a mix of technique and firm stylistic knowledge, which is flamenco music with a strong dose of Latin American rhythms. But Siete shows the growth of the two as soloists, particularly violinist Willie Royal. The best examples are "Gypsy Blue," "Vista Bahia," and "Night in Hana." This last tune contains magic moments from harmonica player Otmar Ruiz and perhaps the best guest shot ever from pianist David Benoit. Bassist John Leftwhich, who cowrote "Night in Hana," is a veteran jazz player who deserves mention for the strong, supple support he lends to these proceedings. With Siete, Willie and Lobo have rolled a lucky seven. --Mark Ruffin Review Willie Royal and Wolfgang "Lobo" Fink have never known the amount of attention received by others in their genre, such as Ottmar Liebert, Strunz and Farah, and Jesse Cook. But Willie and Lobo's worldly mix of flamenco, Latin, and Caribbean sounds have never sounded better than on their seventh CD, appropriately titled Siete, or "seven" in Spanish. Recorded at a studio near Puerto Vallarta, the disc reflects an influence that the environment - sun, sand, and surf - no doubt had on them. "Vista Bahia," in fact, was inspired by the sunny location and is a swirl of Willie's violin, Lobo's guitar, and a tropical percussion anchored by Efrain Toro. Although "Seven Veils," "Ole Cinco," and "Olo Molina's Tango" are energetic tunes driven by Lobo's quickly strummed flamenco guitar and the intoxicating rhythm of the palmas, the overwhelming mood is mellow, from the laid-back, tropical, Don Ho-ish piano of "Havana Vieja" to "Tatiana," with its quietly expressed guitar and piano solos commingling to soothing effect. Pianist David Benoit guests on "Night in Hana," a lovely ballad expressed by mournful violin strings and gently-blown harmonica. Looking for an accompaniment to a Corona, an ocean view, and tropical breezes? Siete is for you. --- Brian Soergel, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc. -- From Jazziz
ASIN: B00004U90T
VSKU: GGV.B00004U90T.LN
Condition: Like New
Author/Artist:Willie & Lobo
Binding: Audio cd