La Esperanza

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Chicago-based Carlos Villalobos has created a romantic, danceable music made up of flamenco guitar and percussive overlays on La Esperanza or "The Hope." There are reminiscences of the Gipsy Kings in here but Villalobos makes a recognizable niche through these instrumentals that are introspective, urgent, and quietly uplifting all at the same time. The album dips where the Spanish flavor moves aside for a smooth jazz feel, but this is rare enough to boldly interrupt listenability. The appearance by singer Glenn Medeiros was enjoyable, but real highlights include "Gabriella's Lullaby" for its tropical melody and expert brush work (although it's unclear from the credits whether this was programmed or played by Villalobos himself), "Teaser" for its emotional vibrancy and percussion, and "Sueños," which dips into worldbeat waters. Overall, La Esperanza pleases well with energetic rhythms and vigorous expert guitar--not bad for an album whose biggest flaw is its jacket's rather dull, two-page list of grateful acknowledgements! --Karen Karleski

La Esperanza,La Esperanza,Higher Octave,Latin Pop,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop,World Music

La Esperanza

Tracks:

Seguriya
Saeta
Variacones Por Tango
Zambra
Petenera Para Guitarra
Granada
Tanguillo Rumbeno
Cante Minero
Fandanguillo
Sevillanas
Noche Granadina
Bulerias De La Samaritana
Fandangos
Torremolinos
Zapateado De Las Campanas
Los Ojos Mios
Levante
Danza Egipcia
Temas De Iiuelna

Customer Reviews:

Misleading CD.......2005-01-15

Only the first half of this CD is Carlos Montoya on guitar, the other half is Mario Escudero on Guitar (which is why tracks 10-19 sound so much better!)... I'm glad I realized this early on, because enjoying the 2nd half of the CD was giving Montoya too much credit, he's not that good. Only 3 stars because the first half is a 1 and the second half a 5.

Stark and smoky.......2001-08-20

If you like your flamenco in a smoky bar late at night, then this is great. The first half is just solo Carlos Montoya -- complete with buzzing strings, etc. The second half is more varied with some singing and castenets. This is first-layer flamenco - no producer polish added. Not a lot of information about the players or music itself is included.

The untied soul of Spanish Flamenco.......2000-08-06

Carlos Montoya brushes his heart along the strands of his instrument in this 19 track CD. I've listened to it for years and would gladly plunk down another fifteen clams for a new one if I ever lost it. His rifts through Variacones Por Tango set one's heart thumping, and his soulful pining in Cante Minero is enough to woo any corazon (heart). Noche Granadina and Zapateado De Las Campanas tell the true talent of this master as he unleashes his mastery and lets rhythym run wild. If you want pure Flamenco guitar, The Art Of Flamenco is it.

The untied soul of Spanish Flamenco.......2000-08-06

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Flamenco Style Music
Unmistakably the best soulful flamenco music around
Great listening
Great Album
HOT EAR CANDY !

La Esperanza
La Esperanza
Manufacturer: Higher Octave
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Esperanza II
Spanish Kiss
Spinning World: 13 Ways of Looking at a Waltz
Sol Luna Tierra
Andalusian Nights

ASIN: B00000AGDR
Release Date: 1998-09-22

Tracks:

Duende
Spanish Eyes
La Punta
Gabriella's Lullaby
Love & Lust
Without You
Teaser
El Loco!
Bahia Bay
Guapa
Isla
Los Borrachos
Para Mi Nicole
Suenos
Cara Mia
What Would Love Do Now

Amazon.com

Chicago-based Carlos Villalobos has created a romantic, danceable music made up of flamenco guitar and percussive overlays on La Esperanza or "The Hope." There are reminiscences of the Gipsy Kings in here but Villalobos makes a recognizable niche through these instrumentals that are introspective, urgent, and quietly uplifting all at the same time. The album dips where the Spanish flavor moves aside for a smooth jazz feel, but this is rare enough to boldly interrupt listenability. The appearance by singer Glenn Medeiros was enjoyable, but real highlights include "Gabriella's Lullaby" for its tropical melody and expert brush work (although it's unclear from the credits whether this was programmed or played by Villalobos himself), "Teaser" for its emotional vibrancy and percussion, and "Sueños," which dips into worldbeat waters. Overall, La Esperanza pleases well with energetic rhythms and vigorous expert guitar--not bad for an album whose biggest flaw is its jacket's rather dull, two-page list of grateful acknowledgements! --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Flamenco Style Music.......2007-03-12

La Esperanza quickly became one of my favorite groups, especially when I want to listen to music to relax. Fantastic guitar playing! (I wish they had more CDs. If you have to choose between this one and Esperanza II, buy this one.) Gypsy Flame by Armik is in the same genre. You will enjoy listening to both.

I always play this CD when entertaining as it sets the ambience for parties where people want to just relax and talk and family and friends enjoy listening to it.

Unmistakably the best soulful flamenco music around.......2007-03-09

I had bought this album, some years ago and lost it, and just recently re purchased it, the music still today is timeless. I can honestly say that this is one of my favourite albums, the way the boys have mixed the sounds of flamenco and in some instances sounds of nature, especially in "Without You", its incredible. These guys are very talented musicians and am surprised there is not alot more of their stuff around, maybe thats what makes it all the more special and rare.

Great listening.......2006-11-04

Beautiful music and beautiful guitar pieces that are ideal for easy listening or latin dancing. My realtor friend wants to use to play in home tours. I told her where I got it.

Great Album.......2005-07-25

I expected the Album to be good and was not dissapointed Enjoyed every bit of it.

HOT EAR CANDY !.......2000-04-02

In July of 1999 this cd pulled me in...it is so seductive and bewitching. If a mans passion for a woman can be expressed through his guitar, this is what it sounds like. These tunes make you want to get up and dance or get down and dirty! My favorite songs are Teaser and Suenos..."te quiero"...This cd will ignite flames of desire and you'll need to hear it again and again!

Average customer rating:

Sinfonia Flamenca

Manufacturer: Chant Du Monde Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000EAVAF0
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

Chisera
Django
Hierbecita
La Isla De Leon
Crayisa
Erachi
Soniquetazo
Quejio
Punto Cubano
Chisera

Average customer rating:

Coloreando La Esperanza
Liuba Maria Hevia
Manufacturer: Unicornio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000GB7592
Release Date: 2006-06-19

Tracks:

Coloreando La Esperanza
Hoy Te Invito A Mi Ninez
Tonada Para Amanecer
En El Surco De La Ternura
Tornada Borracha
Tu Amor Es El Canto Mio
Tonadas Para El Camino
Para Salvar Un Beso
Un Son Para La Manana
El Sitio De Los Angeles
Si Me Falta Tu Sonrisa
De Monte Y Ciudad
Esta Travesia (Bonus Track)
La Guayabita Madura (Bonus Track)

Average customer rating:

Brava Berganza! A Birthday Tribute

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Una voce poco fa: A Portrait of Teresa Berganza

ASIN: B0007DHPRG
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Average customer rating:

Very good nuevo flamenco CD
You will not be disappointed
Great Introduction to Flamenco Music
Wonderful compilation!
Outstanding Compilation

Tabu: Mondo Flamenco

Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Esperanza

ASIN: B00005AKIC
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

Scorpion - Young & Rollins
Switchback - Jesse Cook
Los Borrachos - La Esperanza
Mediterranean Eyes - Pavlo
Magos - Serge Lopez
Don' Quixote - Luis Villegas
She Is Beautiful - Nadro John
Dangerous Rumba - Chuscales
Sortilegio - Jose Luis Encinas
Tapas - Tierra Negra
Mundi - Tomatito
Games Of Love - Oscar Lopez
Seven Veils - Willie & Lobo
Fiesta - Ramon Bermudez

Customer Reviews:

Very good nuevo flamenco CD.......2004-10-09

This is a great intro CD to anyone not familiar with the genre... You should safely assume that if you like the music on this CD you will definitely like the individual CDs by any of the artists on it.. "Scorpion" and "Don Quixote" are great, lively tracks you will love listening to with the sunroof open on a sunny day...

You will not be disappointed.......2004-03-13

This is a good primer for someone who wants a nice place to start their collection; or if they want one c.d. to have for a sample of that genre. There are world elements in some of the tracks that keep it interesting. "Mediterranean Eyes" has almost a Greek feel to it and has a very sexy beat and sensuous orchestration. (My wife really likes that one!) The whole c.d. is great and it's a nice one to put on for cocktails before a dinner party with friends. Enjoy!

Great Introduction to Flamenco Music.......2001-11-22

I was in San Diego earlier this year when I bought this CD. This was the beginning of my flamenco music fever. The music is wonderful! The fact that it has various artists, gives you an idea of which artists you want to explore next. At the moment, high on my list, is Jesse Cook.

Wonderful compilation!.......2001-10-09

I had originally purchased this CD for a friend in Brazil who is a trained flamenco guitarist (studied under A. Segovia in Spain). I loved it so much that my friend had to wait for a second copy! I put it on everytime I'm feeling inspired while cooking. The lead track "Scorpions" is among the best. Would highly recommend it.

Outstanding Compilation.......2001-04-21

This is one of the more tasteful and elegant compilations of "new flamenco" music I have heard. It begins on a powerful note with a tour de force performance of "Scorpion" by Young & Rollins, the highlight track of the album, continues with fiery compositions by flamenco legends Tomatito and Chuscales, and features notable music from some staples of the new flamenco genre such as Willie & Lobo, Oscar Lopez and Jesse Cook. All of the performances feature sophisticated guitar artistry that should please aficionados of the instrument, while the abundance of captivating melodies and rhythms should seduce any music lover.

Una voce poco fa: A Portrait of Teresa Berganza

Average customer rating:

A FORTY YEAR LOVE AFFAIR

Una voce poco fa: A Portrait of Teresa Berganza

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001M09OO
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

Una Voce Poco Fa
Non So Piu
Voi Che Sapete
Temerari!...Some Scoglio
Ch'io Mi Scordi Di Te?...Non Temer, Amato Bene
Che Faro Senza Euridice?
Che Puro Ciel!
Divinites Du Styx
Medea! O Medea!...Solo Un Pianto
Mi Lusinga Il Dolce Affetto
Verdi Prati, Selve Amene
Quand Je Vous Aimerai?...L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - The Ambrosian Singers
Pres Des Remparts De Seville - Placido Domingo
Cruda Sorte! Amor Tiranno!
Nacqui All'affanno...Non Piu Mesta

Tracks:

Ahi! Che Forse Ai Miei Di
Intorno All'idol Mio
Confusa, Smarrita
Qual Mia Colpa, O Sventura...Se Delitto E Adoravi
Chi Vuol Innamorarsi
La Rosaura (Un Cor Da Voi Ferito)
Elitropio D'amor
Como Quieres Que Adivine
Mananita De San Juan
Cuatro Canciones Vascas
Saeta En Forma De Salve A La Virgen De La Esperanza
El Tra-La-La Y El Punteado
El Majo Timido
La Maja Dolorosa
Farruca
El Pano Moruno
Seguidilla Murciana
Asturiana
Jota
Nana
Cancion
Polo
Sagrario's Romanza
Margarita's Romanza
Txalopin Txalo
Nere Maitea
Atea Tan Tan
Tun, Kurrun, Kuntun
Arranoak Bartuetan
Ainoarra Nimino
Anderegeya
Amak Ezkondu

Customer Reviews:

A FORTY YEAR LOVE AFFAIR.......2004-09-02

The lack of a fifth star reflects the shortcomings of Decca, not of the artist.

DISCLAIMER: What you are about to read are the judgments of a man not completely rational about the subject at hand.

Teresa Berganza has the most gorgeous female voice I've ever laid ears on. There, I've said it! Biased? Proudly. Smitten? To my core. From the moment I heard her in recital forty years ago, until this very day, I have been completely enamored of this gracious and sensitive artist. I own, I think, every note she has ever recorded. I have seen her in recital or on the opera stage several times, and I have never heard a vulgar sound emerge from her throat. The sheer depth and harmonic richness of her mezzo simply shower warmth and luxury on the listener.

She is also arguably the most versatile singer of the last generation. Most people think of her as just a Mozart and Rossini specialist, and indeed she is. But her repertoire ranges from Cesti to Stravinsky, from Fernando Sor to Mussorgsky to Villa Lobos. She has also been a devoted advocate for the music of her native Spain, along with Latin and South American music. At a Carnegie Hall recital the program included Faure, Schubert, Mozart, Wolf, de Falla, Rodrigo, Garcia Lorca, and Toldra, with encores of Gimenez, Rossini, and Schumann. Phew! One might think it impossible to hold together such a varied program, but Berganza did it seamlessly.

Now to the appointed task. This Decca compilation is a mostly fair cross section of her core work. I could gripe about the inclusion of material that is available on multiple other CDs, or prattle on about this omission or that, but considering how generously this package is filled out, I'd be arguing for an extra disc or two.

The Rossini on the disc doesn't require much comment. A true mezzo with voluptuous tone, a completely secure and supple fioratura, and the temperament to make the character come alive... what else could one possibly want? It's hard to imagine a Naqui all'affanno... Non piu mesta sung with more bravura brilliance. Much the same thing could be said of the Mozart. Finding something to criticize would require a truly picayune personality. The 1963 Mozart LP on London put Berganza firmly on the international map. The reviews were extravagant with praise, and the selections here are some of the finest, although the inclusion of Come scoglio shows the least flattering side of her vocal talents - the tessitura lies just a bit too high for her compass. The nearly complete CD version of the LP is available on Decca's "The Singers" series, where you can sample her Dorabella and Sextus.

Disc 1 is rounded out with selections from Handel, Gluck, Bizet, and Neris's second act recitative and aria from Medea. To enter a note of criticism, I find the Gluck rather straight-jacketed; she certainly doesn't have the cutting edge or the horsepower to make Divinites du Styx very convincing. The Orfeo tracks suffer some of the same deficits, although, because the voice is not overtaxed, she is able to maintain equilibrium of tone, but in the end they come up flat sounding. These problems are more than made up for by her Ruggiero from Handel's Alcina and Neris's heart-rending aria, where her strengths are fully evident. The chestnuts from Carmen give a taste of what is certainly one of the most unusually conceived assumptions of this often hackneyed role. This is no tramp cigarette girl, but a fully realized independent woman, whose goals will not be thwarted by mere convention - and Berganza has the vocal and dramatic resources to back it all up. The recording is still in the DGG catalog - snap it up.

If the contents of disc 2 seem a bit scattered, that would be because they are a bit scattered. This is where Decca should have made more coherent choices. The most grievous example: Arambarri's Ochos canciones vascas comes form a 1967 Zacosa LP. The fact that the flip side of that record, Gombau's Siete claves de Aragon, is omitted borders on the incomprehensible. Both of these song cycles are piquant, wonderfully conducted by Gombau himself, and show Berganza's interpretative range in singing Spanish music, plus they are perfect companion pieces. As fine as they are, we did not need the umpteenth incarnation of her collaborations with her then husband, pianist and composer Felix Lavilla.

These discs are billed as having four "First international releases" on CD (whatever that means). But de Falla's Siete canciones populares espanolas has appeared on at least two discs that I know of. Possibly it was never released in the Philippines. The Arambarri and the two zarzuela songs are the other "firsts." Speaking of zarzuela... for anyone unfamiliar with this delightful and important genre, you are in for a treat. It is often referred to as Spanish operetta, but that fails to hit the mark. These are musical slices of working class Madrid streetlife, with a unique combination of the rough and the refined, all shot through with a verve that is utterly Spanish. Once bitten by this bug, you will find it difficult to not learn more. The excerpts presented here give only a tiny peek into the enormous amount of this music Berganza sang. From the mid 50's through the early 70's she committed thirty-some (!) of these roles to tape. Many of them are available on CD in Spain (the transfers, however, are among the worst I've ever heard). For present purposes, I would have included one of the rhythmically passionate or playful songs, instead of picking two rather melancholic romanzas. If one wants a better survey of her contribution to zarzuela, they can seek out the two still available discs on Ensayo, with Asensio and the English Chamber Orchestra. With such rivals as Caballe, de los Angeles, and Bayo, it is a tribute to Berganza's commitment to the form that these recordings are the best ever.

The remainder of the recording presents some truly wonderful songs. Among my favorites are all of the Scarlatti. Because she is so acutely aware of the value of rhythmic flexibility and pacing, she is able to reveal all the subtlety in the work of this baroque genius. The Guridi tracks show her skill in mating the music with the words, with perfect dynamics and some tricky intervals that are flawlessly negotiated. It's a shame there wasn't room for the whole song cycle of this unfairly neglected composer. Manual de Falla's Siete canciones don't reach the same rare heights of, say, Granados' La maja dolorosa, but Berganza makes it seem so. The Seguidilla and Jota are particularly sprightly and fetching. Finally, the Farruca of Turina combines her ability to effortlessly spin out a high lying line, then switch into the song's rapid passage work without any trace of the shifting of the gears..

As for the recording quality, the various tracks pretty much reflect the recording technology of their time. The only exception to a range of pretty good to excellent is the Arambarri. The recording is shrill and thin, with some badly clipped peaks. What a pity; the LP is well recorded, and I know a good transfer is possible, because I've done my own with an outdated computer and $69 worth of software. Sometimes I wonder whether anyone actually listens to what the final product sounds like. As with most every twofer, no texts and translations are included.

The subtitle of this release is A portrait of Teresa Berganza, and it does a decent job of living up to its billing, but it's only one portrait of an incredibly versatile artist, whose spell I've been under for my entire adult life. If this has all ended up sounding more like a paean to Berganza than a record review, I plead guilty.

Average customer rating:

Good CD, though I didn't like it as much as the first
Superb, energetic -- really gets me going
La Esperanza Rocks
Funky Flamenco
Amazing, Enchanting, Delightful

Esperanza II
La Esperanza
Manufacturer: Higher Octave
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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La Esperanza
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Esperanza

ASIN: B00005M0EG
Release Date: 2001-07-17

Tracks:

La Sombra
Mi Tierra
Esta Noche
Rio
Brande Nicole
Azul Tropical
Marina
Mysterioso
Recuerdos
Foreign Affair
Goodnight

Amazon.com

The freshest take on flamenco since the millennium flipped over comes from a Spanish rocker who candidly admits he has no formal background in the gypsy-guitar genre. Session and soundtrack work have served Carlos Villalobos beautifully, however, lending him an ear for cinematic textures plus the versatility to bring them to life. Distinguishing Esperanza II from the gaggle of ambient flamenco excursions out there is a fine-honed acoustic-guitar approach combined with an aggressive edge to the playing and assertive rhythmic textures. Urban dance beats and multicultural digital samples lend the dreamy compositions a contemporary club slant without stepping on the toes of their traditional flavor. "Mysterioso" kicks off with hip-hop percussion, leans into an electric guitar and bass riff, then sails smoothly into understated Middle Eastern textures. "Foreign Affair" slips a shimmering vibraphone into a bustling guitar theme backed by hurried backing beats suggesting a tasty clash between modern tensions and centuries-old musical styles. None of the excursions would work this well if Villalobos weren't such a nimble player, not only on guitar and keyboards but also using the full recording studio as his instrument. --Bob Tarte

Customer Reviews:

Good CD, though I didn't like it as much as the first.......2007-01-03

Other reviews are correct in that this album has a different sound. Some may like it better than Esperanza I, but I do not. I suppose it comes down to personal taste & style, as I think in terms of musical quality, both are very good.

Superb, energetic -- really gets me going.......2002-04-23

The music is very melodic and intense in places. At work I'll have my headphones on and I can't not "move" to it. It sounds like a flamenco, gypsy, new age fusion. It really brings me up, much like some of Marc Antoine's faster numbers do. Has some really great, solid rhythm underneath, with complex guitar pieces on top, some mideast influences (Esta Noche). Rio is a favorite of mine.

La Esperanza Rocks.......2002-02-24

Carlos Villalobosis a true master when it comes to blending traditional influences with modern beats. His guitar performance is solid and the melodies enchanting. I hope this will not be the last Esperanza record.

Funky Flamenco.......2002-02-23

This music strikes the balance I like between catchy drum-machine rhythms and good, solid, driving melodic hooks. Not too light and "pop" sounding, but not dull. Most songs are basically jazzed up flamenco, and some have what strikes me as a middle-eastern flavor. I can't fully compare it to the first album by this artist because I've not heard the whole of the first, but based on the snips available for listening here at Amazon, I'd say this album is a bit faster and funkier than the last. If you like this stuff, check out Jesse Cook.

Amazing, Enchanting, Delightful.......2002-01-14

I have owned Esperanza II since November 2001, and have seldom played anything else since. I listen to it in the car on the way to work, then bring it into work with me to pick myself up during drag time. I'm still not tired of listening to it. Esperanza II was a big hit as Christmas gifts. I've received nothing but rave reviews from everyone.
There's something for everyone here, no matter whether you're dancing, smooching, or just relaxing...this is the perfect complement to nearly anything you're doing.
Obviously...two great big thumbs up!