Luis Villegas Spanish Kiss CD

While Latin influences are all the rage in pop music nowadays, it's good to expand beyond those boundaries and check out powerful instrumentalists like Villegas, a lightning quick flamenco guitarist who is the real deal. With energetic whimsy, powerful melodies, and intense seductive skills, Villegas should soon join Ottmar Liebert, Lara & Reyes, Jesse Cook, and Oscar Lopez as keepers of a traditional, irresistible flame. Villegas can play it both seductive and aggressive, and the mood swings and unpredictability help make the flow interesting. On the opening cut "Nueva Vida," he blends a high-tone melody with a loping rhythmic harmony line, hopping over a steady shaker percussion groove. "Salsa con Guitarras" is a speedy, hypnotic anthem complete with a festive chorus of voices repeating the title over a feisty weaving of piano harmony and explosive dual-lined melody. "Last Tango" is a sexy romance tune, with a gentle guitar melody wafting over a sensuous and light slow-dance groove. None of this energy would be possible without the dynamic interaction between Villegas and his great percussionists Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas, Luis Perez, and Richie Garcia. ~ Jonathan Widran

2nd Rel;Guitarist/Composer; Flamenco,Rhumba & Latin Jazz

Recorded at Paramount Studios, Hollywood, California; Sonic Jungle Studios, North Hollywood, California; Clearlake Audio, Burbank, California.

Personnel: Luis Villegas (vocals, guitar, palmas); Guillermo Guzman (vocals, fretless bass); Jairo Duran, Ricky Adorno (vocals); Alberto Salas (piano); Ricardo Tiki Pasillas (drums, congas, bongos, djembe, timbales, palmas); Chris Trujillo (drums, congas, cymbals, shaker, timbales); Luis Perez , Richie Gajate Garcia (percussion).

Audio Mixers: Dennis Moody; Guillermo Guzman.

Recording information: Clearlake Studio, Burbank, CA; Paramount Studios, Hollywood, CA; Sonic Jungle Studios, N.Hollywood, CA.

Photographer: David Goldner.

Arrangers: Guillermo Guzman; Luis Villegas; Rique Pantoja.

Personnel includes: Luis Villegas (vocals, guitar, palmas); Guillermo Guzman (vocals, bass, fretless bass); Ricky Adorno, Jario Duran (vocals); Alberto Salas (piano); Ricardo Pasillas (drums, congas, bongo, timbales, djembe, cajon, palmas); Chris Trujillo (congas, timbales, shaker).