Customer Reviews

Provence

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Provence lies in the south eastern corner of France right on the Mediterranean and is beloved by painters who rave about the "soft light" it offers. Renoir, Matisse and Pablo Picasso have all spent time and painted here. Apart from the title, another interesting thing about Luna Blanca is that they actually screen original artwork during their stage performances. The quintessential kings of Nuevo Flamenco, Luna Blanca (founded in 2000) is the brainchild of Germany's Richard Hecks and Helmut Graebe and features driving guitars, lush arrangements and highly memorable tunes. Their latest work PROVENCE is a delightful 12-track `amuse-bouche' with tunes titled in French and Spanish. Favorites include "Driving," a fast paced road tune featuring guitars and flute, "CoteD'Azur" with brilliant vocals and Mediterranean warmth and the sweet sound of "Crème Brulee." PROVENCE is a really evocative glimpse into the world of European New Age. ~STEWART COXHEAD

"Provence" is the fourth release from the German nouveau-flamenco group Luna Blanca. Named for an area in the south of France known for inspiring many artists of different genres and media, "Provence" is a musical tour of that region from a very sunny and optimistic point of view. The two primary musicians of the group are founders Richard Hecks (lead acoustic guitar) and Helmut Graebe (piano and organ); the duo also composed all of the music on this album. They are joined by Bino Dola on rhythm guitar and second lead guitar; Clemens Paskert on bass, percussion, and additional keyboards; and Uwe Gronau on organ and accordion. I know I am dating myself by saying so, but some of this album reminds me of a combination of Booker T. & the MGs and The Tijuana Brass, and by that I mean that the music is catchy, upbeat, and easily accessible to just about anyone with a pulse. Growing up, I had a real passion for the lively and sometimes poignant instrumentals that populated the Top 40 charts from time to time, and some of these songs take me right back to that simpler, more easy-going era. No complaints there!

Our tour of "Provence" begins with "Driving," a sweet and relaxed piece for guitar, flute, and gentle percussion that sets the mood of the album. "Mistral" is one of my favorites. Named for a wind that blows in the area creating a special kind of light, the rhythm is effortless while Uwe Graebe stirs some excitement on the Hammond organ. "Creme Brulee" is all sweetness and romance with a gentle sway and beautiful guitar melody. "Rose" is another favorite. It begins as a piano solo and then the guitar and laid back percussion enter to the sound of an audience roaring its approval as the theme changes. There is more piano in this piece than in the previous tracks, and it's a lovely way to express this tender ballad. I love "Cafe," which opens with the sound of a cell phone and acoustic guitar playing in a crowd setting. After about a minute, the piece shifts gears, adding percussion and trumpets here and there. The infectious rhythm and warm melody get my toes tapping every time. I also like the breezy guitar in "Francoise." Appropriately enough, the album closes with "Sunset," which includes piano, guitar, and male vocals, ending our day with relaxing warmth.

"Provence" is a great accompaniment to just about any activity where an easy mood and catchy melodies and rhythms are appropriate. It's also very enjoyable with focused listening. Recommended!

We love this the music is easy on the ears and we want to get more of this type of music

Luna Blanca is a prominent Nouveau Flamenco ensemble from Bocholt Germany that has perhaps become the celebrated toast of the town in another part of the world by naming their latest Contemporary Instrumental album after a beautiful region of Southeastern France, amidst the countries of Italy and Spain, with a seaside boarder along the glistening coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Provence is the name of this admirable new release by Luna Blanca, along with the region of Southeastern France highly prized by a warmer climate, gourmet cuisine and regional quality vineyards, creating the picture-perfect setting for Luna Blanca's new release that greatly succeeds at intertwining these luxurious qualities of refinement into their own creation of beauty.

Luna Blanca selected the nearby locality of Provence for a good reason since many famous authors, poets, and painters like Vincent van Gogh & Pablo Picasso had acquired inspiration for their artistic masterpieces. After reading more about this region of Europe it became clear to me why Luna Blanca members regularly travel to Provence for their creative inspiration, and it appears everything was well designed during their masterful adaptation.

Luna Blanca is prevalent on an international level and where founding lead acoustic guitarist Richard Hecks, first trained in classical music initiated his crossover to New Flamenco and began writing the vibrant original compositions we hear today. Helmut Graebe is a principal member with spirited piano and organ rhythms and on Provence, Hecks and Graebe had an equal hand while composing their parts along with the instrumental compositions of talents Bino Dola on rhythm guitar, Clemens Paskert on bass, percussions, and added keyboards. Juan & Carolina provided some vocals and guest musician Uwe Gronau is featured on two songs playing organ and accordion.

First song Driving sets the contemporary surroundings in motion for this pretty as a postcard destination in Nouveau Flamenco music and where everyone will be able to perceive their picturesque connection to the region of Provence in the first few measures. Colorful in every way, Driving like each of the 12 songs are unique by their united but singular identity.

Gipsy & Francoise nicely exemplify this ever changing diversity since each have passionate melodies and charismatic rhythms which vary noticeably but interblend conclusively from song to song, representing one of many progressive attributes of this album in entirety. Mistral has a fascinating groove based melody with accented organ and keyboards parts exhibiting many fine upbeat runs in parallel time with exciting acoustic guitar rhythms.

Café has a tantalizing setting by trumpet and accordion refrains among progressive guitar and piano melodies which introduce an alluring arrangement to the surroundings. Sunset & La Maison Bleue likewise display some great instrumentals plus the dynamic percussion rhythms heard on every song do more than merely lay the timing foundation for band members to build their melodies upon, so it is noticeable the percussion parts are a lively component in the total note by note Nouveau Flamenco atmosphere.

Crème Brulee is an inviting song given the calm serene impression and one that resembles Siesta, where moderately timed guitar melodies with piano accompaniment establish a comfortable mood of relaxation while also conveying at the very same time, a fine impression akin to white tablecloth elegance while the boldly accented accordion composition in Camargue introduces an elevated amount of European ambience by the intriguing sentiment.

Rosé is a song named after the house wine regularly served with the cuisine at local cafés and proportionate to the regional vineyards and fields of lavender, Rosé is an aromatic song for the senses too and while presented in more moderate time, the guitar and piano melodies fluently bring a fragrant bouquet of light ambience to the table.

Cote d'Azur is a majestic song finely poised by graceful half step guitar chords and piano counter melody which paint a romanticized picture of the French Riviera, concluding this song with the sound of coastal waters moving across the Mediterranean seashore, and with everything considered I wonder if anyone could ask for anything more.

Provence by Luna Blanca is an exciting new release, where admirable guitar and keyboard melodies express an anytime occasion for celebration. Together in unison, every member gives a brilliant performance and the spirited festive theme this new release portrays has the perfect entertainment setting. Casual and inviting by an open air sensibility, the members of Luna Blanca deserve every glass to be raised high in a toast of salutation. Cheers !

After a long time Luna Blanca finally is back with their new CD. Their CD Guitar Island already was great, but the new one is fantastic. Beautiful melodies, a brilliant sound and every song giving another refined emotion. Hearing the CD is like taking a vacation to Southern France - directly into the Provence.