Esperanza

La Esperanza | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 22, 1998)
• Original Release Date: September 22, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Higher Octave
• ASIN: B00000AGDR
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,678 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Duende

2. Spanish Eyes

3. La Punta

4. Gabriella's Lullaby

5. Love and Lust

6. Without You

7. Teaster

8. El Loco!

9. Bahia Bay

10. Guapa

11. Isla

12. Los Borrachos

13. Paba Mi Nicole

14. Sueños

15. Cara Mia

16. What Would Love Do Now

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Chicago-based Carlos Villalobos has created a romantic, danceable music made up of flamenco guitar and percussive overlays on La Esperanza or "The Hope." There are reminiscences of the Gipsy Kings in here but Villalobos makes a recognizable niche through these instrumentals that are introspective, urgent, and quietly uplifting all at the same time. The album dips where the Spanish flavor moves aside for a smooth jazz feel, but this is rare enough to boldly interrupt listenability. The appearance by singer Glenn Medeiros was enjoyable, but real highlights include "Gabriella's Lullaby" for its tropical melody and expert brush work (although it's unclear from the credits whether this was programmed or played by Villalobos himself), "Teaser" for its emotional vibrancy and percussion, and "Sueños," which dips into worldbeat waters. Overall, La Esperanza pleases well with energetic rhythms and vigorous expert guitar--not bad for an album whose biggest flaw is its jacket's rather dull, two-page list of grateful acknowledgements! --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great, relaxing, pleasure listening music, September 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Esperanza (Audio CD)

this is one of those c.d.s that you can put on continuous play, and enjoy with your favorite person, or at your favorite place. - good for atmosphere or background music.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A feast for the ears, August 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Esperanza (Audio CD)

La Esperanza have created a musical masterpeice. Their album's blend of spanish guitar and hypnotic rhythms is a refreshing addition to my CD collection. This is much more than an upbeat new age instrumental or sleepy flamenco dinner music... it is a tribute to heritage and passion.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars La vida perfecta, August 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Esperanza (Audio CD)

La Esperanza is Ricky Martin's dream band. Erotic, moody, and introspective... this album is fodder for the soul. Admittedly, I listen to this CD way too much, but I hear something new every time. I'd also like to add that It's wonderful to hear Glenn Medeiros sing on something with some real spanish flavor. I hope to hear more soon!