Esperanza II

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

Esperanza II,La Esperanza,Higher Octave,Latin Pop,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Music

jazz

music

Tracks:

La Sombra
Mi Tierra
Esta Noche
Rio
Brande Nicole
Azul Tropical
Marina
Mysterioso
Recuerdos
Foreign Affair
Goodnight

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

Customer Reviews:

Good CD, though I didn't like it as much as the first.......2007-01-03

Other reviews are correct in that this album has a different sound. Some may like it better than Esperanza I, but I do not. I suppose it comes down to personal taste & style, as I think in terms of musical quality, both are very good.

Superb, energetic -- really gets me going.......2002-04-23

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.

La Esperanza Rocks.......2002-02-24

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.

Funky Flamenco.......2002-02-23

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.

Amazing, Enchanting, Delightful.......2002-01-14

I have owned Esperanza II since November 2001, and have seldom played anything else since. I listen to it in the car on the way to work, then bring it into work with me to pick myself up during drag time. I'm still not tired of listening to it. Esperanza II was a big hit as Christmas gifts. I've received nothing but rave reviews from everyone.
There's something for everyone here, no matter whether you're dancing, smooching, or just relaxing...this is the perfect complement to nearly anything you're doing.
Obviously...two great big thumbs up!