Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Living A Daydream , by Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion , and it's really enjoyable. Opening with Nagi Yate' , Miguel Espinoza on guitar, opens with a beautiful intro, joined by Dianne Betkowski on cello and Andy Skellenger on tabla and Nabin Shrestha on tabla. Howard Levy on harmonica and piano really adds an additional dimension, joined by Randy Hoepker on bass, Mario Moreno on timbales, and Linda Richardson on castanets. Excellent opener. Zelda The Caterpillar Goes To Spain is another strong track featuring Espinoza on guitar really creating nice sonic depth. This track really is interesting. Levy on harmonica, Espinoza on guitar, Hoepker on bass and Skellenger really set a solid floor and Betkowski's solo cello work is rich, complimented nicely by the percussion of Mario Moreno. Wrapping the release is The Storm with has traditional Spanish rhythms. Espinoza's guitar work really is nice and I particular...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Veneta , from Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion and it's really nice. Opening with multicultural influenced, Gnossienne , Miguel Espinosa lays the foundation theme on classical guitar, joined by Dianne Betkowski on cello. The theme is then further developed by the addition of Lynn Baker on saxophone, Randy Hoepker on bass, Andy Skellenger on tabla and Cajon. Very nice. Although this release is heavily Spanish influenced, it is so colorful and full of international flavor. Very nice. Bulerias Barrocas continues the theme opening with a fluid pace and developing immediately into a cello led force. This track is very rich with deeply woven themes and masterful guitar. Very nice. Another cello led track, Sad is rich in tone and has excellent underlying rhythm provided by Espinoza on guitar, Skellenger on Tabla and Cajon, Mario Moreno on percussion, Hoepker on bass and a very nice lead solo by Lynn Baker on sax. Wrapping t...