Nouveau Flamenco With Ottmar Liebert

The first time I heard (or heard of ) Ottmar Liebert, I was standing in the television department of Best Buy a few years back. We were shopping for a new TV and I heard this wonderful music coming from the next aisle. I actually had goosebumps on my arms and that's always a good indicator for me. If I break out in goosebumps, it must be good!

We wandered over and there was a music video playing on that row of televisions. Images of the southwest desert flashed and as the guitar riffs became more intense, I knew I would have to find this CD. At the end of the video, the credits appeared: Barcelona Nights by Ottmar Liebert. It was fortuitous that we happened to be in a store that also sold CDs. After determining that Ottmar Liebert is catalogued under New Age, I found the CD, Nouveau Flamenco.

Since that time, I have pretty much purchased all of Liebert's albums and if I had to sum up his work in a word, it would be extraordinary.

If you explore the music label - Luna Negra/Higher Octave Music - you'll find a plethora of superb artists, but I think of Liebert as, by far, the best. He has a way and a gift with classical guitar. The only other person I have ever encountered with such incredible guitar skill is my husband, Lowell. And I can say this with confidence because I a. worked in the music industry for years; and b.I have been acquainted with guitarists most of my life.

Esteban has his moments, but I do take issues with some of his cover songs and we'll save that for another day.

Liebert has an interesting musical history - for more on his work and albums, click here - http://www.ottmarliebert.com/.

While Liebert is often found in the New Age section of music stores, I suspect he is instrumental (no pun intended) in fueling the genre - Nouveau Flamenco. At one time, you found the genre Flamenco (originated out of Spain's Andalusia region) which included legends such as Sabicas and Segovia. And the Nouveau Flamenco genre, in a manner of speaking, transcends beyond Flamenco - or at least takes it to the next level.

If you are new to Ottmar Liebert, I recommend starting with the Nouveau Flamenco CD. Barcelona Nights, Santa Fe, and 2 The Night are exquisite works. The CD Borrasca features a soul-stirring La Rosa Negra (guaranteed to add goosebumps). The Rumba Collection features two of my favorites - Havana Club and Montana Walking. And on the Santa Fe Sessions, check out Sao Paulo. Or you could just buy them all.

To see a snippet from YouTube, click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCRw9wtVCAs.

I could go on and on, but it might be best to let you check out Liebert yourself - Happy Listening!

Next Week - Libertango and Astor Piazzolla.