Esperanza
Chicago-based Carlos Villalobos has created a romantic, danceable music made up of flamenco guitar and percussive overlays onLa Esperanzaor "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 Esperanzapleases 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