Author: Lopez, Oscar

Format: Import

Release Date: 03-10-2000

Details: Amazon.ca If someone was to invent a category called "smooth flamenco", Armando's Fire by acoustic guitarist Oscar Lopez would qualify--and probably stand as one of the most attractive entries in that field. Lopez, born in Chile and a resident of Calgary, Canada since 1979, is a skilled, often exciting player who, on his third release, displays a preference for melody and accessibility over flamboyant virtuosity. This approach yields a handsome, polished assortment of flamenco-minded instrumentals (with traces of jazz and pop elements) that generally favors romanticism over showmanship. It is not exactly a sleepy album, though after a rousing, trumpet-powered opener (the title track), the recording's prevailing mood (near medium on the heat index) is established in the second piece, the subdued, sweetly flowing "Walking Through the Pyramid". Lopez and his ensemble, in fact, only work up a lather one other time on the disc ("Dance of the Sun"). Yet Lopez (whose middle name is Armando) demonstrates exquisite fingerwork throughout, and his compositions (the charming "Gypsy Soul", the warm, breezy "Frontiers", the animated "Latino") are refined and flavourful--smooth, with an elevated sense of style. -- Terry Wood

UPC: 724384979928

EAN: 0724384979928

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood