Friday, February 19, 2010

CD Review: The 'Spirit' of Lawson Rollins' Espirito


Espirito

The fiery sounds of jazzy-flamenco guitar stylings and Latin/Caribbean rhythms make Espirito all the more enjoyable. Guitarist Lawon Rollins is joined by Shahin Shahida and the producer for Ottmar Liebert, Dominic Camardella. The outstanding musical accompaniment of Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Kayhan Kalhor, Charlie Bisharat, and Horacio El Negro Hernandez completes a truly 'world music' journey across styles, countries, and sounds. Vocalist Flora Purim adds a tropical, rumba-esque feel to the album. There is classic flamenco, bossa nova, jazz, tango, gypsy, and lounge elements throughout. The intrinsic musical abilities of all involved shine through on every track. 'Santa Lucia Waltz' is an especially endearing and moving instrumental piece. Though not a negative in my book, the instrumental tracks are somewhat reminiscient of the older music for the local forecasts on The Weather Channel. Still, Lawson and company brings a refreshing outlook to new guitar-centered music. Espirito is an album made with all the right ingredients for a delicious result. ~ Matthew Forss

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