Esperanza II

La Esperanza | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 22, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note
• ASIN: B00005M0EG
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,802 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The freshest take on flamenco since the millennium flipped over comes from a Spanish rocker who candidly admits he has no formal background in the gypsy-guitar genre. Session and soundtrack work have served Carlos Villalobos beautifully, however, lending him an ear for cinematic textures plus the versatility to bring them to life. Distinguishing Esperanza II from the gaggle of ambient flamenco excursions out there is a fine-honed acoustic-guitar approach combined with an aggressive edge to the playing and assertive rhythmic textures. Urban dance beats and multicultural digital samples lend the dreamy compositions a contemporary club slant without stepping on the toes of their traditional flavor. "Mysterioso" kicks off with hip-hop percussion, leans into an electric guitar and bass riff, then sails smoothly into understated Middle Eastern textures. "Foreign Affair" slips a shimmering vibraphone into a bustling guitar theme backed by hurried backing beats suggesting a tasty clash between modern tensions and centuries-old musical styles. None of the excursions would work this well if Villalobos weren't such a nimble player, not only on guitar and keyboards but also using the full recording studio as his instrument. --Bob Tarte

Product Description

Esperanza II by La Esperanza

This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, energetic -- really gets me going, April 22, 2002

By 

Scott S. Goodwin "SciFiDude" (Northwest Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Esperanza II (Audio CD)

The music is very melodic and intense in places. At work I'll have my headphones on and I can't not "move" to it. It sounds like a flamenco, gypsy, new age fusion. It really brings me up, much like some of Marc Antoine's faster numbers do. Has some really great, solid rhythm underneath, with complex guitar pieces on top, some mideast influences (Esta Noche). Rio is a favorite of mine.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars La Esperanza Rocks, February 23, 2002

By 

Chris Korblein (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Esperanza II (Audio CD)

Carlos Villalobosis a true master when it comes to blending traditional influences with modern beats. His guitar performance is solid and the melodies enchanting. I hope this will not be the last Esperanza record.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funky Flamenco, February 22, 2002

By 

Charles Troje - See all my reviews

This review is from: Esperanza II (Audio CD)

This music strikes the balance I like between catchy drum-machine rhythms and good, solid, driving melodic hooks. Not too light and "pop" sounding, but not dull. Most songs are basically jazzed up flamenco, and some have what strikes me as a middle-eastern flavor. I can't fully compare it to the first album by this artist because I've not heard the whole of the first, but based on the snips available for listening here at Amazon, I'd say this album is a bit faster and funkier than the last. If you like this stuff, check out Jesse Cook.