Customer Reviews

Nouveau Flamenco

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

True, Ottmar Liebert isn't the most accomplished of guitarists. I own three of his CDs and can certainly see a repetitive factor. But then - I didn't buy "Nuevo Flamenco" to be a music critic. I bought it because when I listened to it the first time it went straight to my feet! This is rythmical & passionate music - whether labeled Flamenco or New Age! And I can honestly say that more people have asked me "What CD is that? " when I played it than any other of the many albums I own. However: In my opinion this is by far the best Liebert album. The others aren't too hot...especially not "Borrasca" (IMHO)...

Poetry by music elegantly describes this warm and romantic release. No purist "Andalusion" pretentions here as Ottmar warmly and sincerely interprets his musical vision. Few other artists deliver to the heart as effectively as Ottmar. If you want hectic, fast paced string pounding, buy Paco DeLucia by all means. If your looking instead to expand the vocabulary of your heart and soul, Ottmar is my recommendation.

NOVEAU FLAMENCO, by Ottmar Liebert, is an album that brings back memories of jazz dance recitals. We used to warm up to NOVEAU FLAMENCO, particularly the first track, "Barcelona Nights." Liebert has been equally criticized and proclaimed for his laid back approach to "nouveau flamenco." While flamenco purists will most definitely have some cutting remarks to make about this, his debut album, how sleepy and "plugged in" it sounds, others who are just looking for relaxing music that they don't have to think too hard about will definitely enjoy it. For me, this European born, Santa Fe-based musician balances his own jazzy licks with flamenco inspired guitar work, and it works well as back-up music. Would I shell out thirty dollars to see him live? Probably not. Yet, I definitely can't dislike NOUVEAU FLAMENCO's range of songs. While some are peppy, others are great if you are trying to get a good night's sleep. There's nothing wrong with that!

Who cares whether this music is pure traditional flamenco. I take exeption to the purists who reject any adaptation of traditional forms in anything, music included. If we rejected adaptation we would all be swinging through the trees as apes.

I play flamenco guitar. I love the traditional forms. I also am open to adaptation if it is good. This is great music. On the other hand, Liebert's CDs of Christmas Music or his orhestral performances are about as exciting as a wet fart and a commercial sham. Ottmar: get back to your roots. If you have burned out hang it up man.

Ok, so this is not real flamenco; it is still great music. Very deep, introspective, on certain tracks perhaps a bit sparse; but conveys a wide range of emotions - something a lot of classical CDs with all of their excess orchestration never do. 'Real' flamenco at times is boring-a lot of flash but no emotion. A must buy.

I was not dissapointed with the N.F. cd, tho I'd only heard a very small piece of his style. He has a very recognisable style which is thematic thro-out the cd, and given my limited knowledge of music I'd call it flamenco-jazz. I have always loved classical flamenco (Sabicas still rings in my heart)and some jazz. This really hits the spot !

The self-stylized Nouveau Flamenco artist had to call it something new since it's not Flamenco. It's like any kind of pop treatment of serious music, from Yanni to Kenny G. It's ethnic elevator music.

My aunt put this in the CD player a few Christmases back and hit repeat. I've heard it dozens of times; more than enough to give it a fair shake. Please consider something more traditional and with more serious musicianship (I've seen Mr. Liebert play and the best thing about it was the rhythm team and second guitar player, Calvin Hazen; all handily outshined their marque). You might try Paco deLucia who is widely considered the master of Flamenco guitar. There are also young artists out there who are terrific; eg, Vicente Amigo.

Another reviewer who gave this 5 stars said it puts him to sleep at night. That's overly modest, this album can put you to sleep at any hour of the day.

I have listened and studied this album over and over again it truly is a work of art. I found it so inspiring that after years and years of bouncing around bands and different musical styles I found my one true love, modern Flamenco. My CD "Changes" would have never been conceived if not for the incredible influence of Ottmar. And for that I say thank you. I hope that everyone will perchance this CD and find the Joy that I have.

The first four selections on this album are very nice, but I found the rest just so-so. Why not do your wallet a favor and download only the songs you like from one of the 99¢ mp3 websites? Another popular new-age artist is Alice Gomez. Although her sound is quite different from Ottmar Liebert, I would suggest listening to her Flute Dreams album. "Try it, you'll like it!"

Even though this is not classified as a true flamenco sounding, it is such a great passion on six strings. For any true flamencoist, you might need to open your mind because flamenco can be infinate and endless. BEAUTIFUL INDEED!!