Spanish Kiss

by Luis Villegas

Overview

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

Product Details

Release Date:	11/28/2000
Label:	Baja/Tsr Records / Baja Records
UPC:	0025221053826
Rank:	152708

Tracks

1. Nueva Vida
2. Rumba and Coke
3. La Reyna
4. Salsa Con Guitara
5. All Of You
6. Xochitl
7. Vamos
8. Last Tango
9. A Dios
10. Spanish Kiss
11. Daydream
12. Tio Pepe

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Luis Villegas   Primary Artist,Guitar,Palmas,Vocals
Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas   Bongos,Congas,Djembe,Palmas,Timbales,Cajon,Drums
Guillermo Guzman   Bass,Vocals,Fretless Bass
Chris Trujillo   Udu,Drums,Congas,Shaker,Cymbals,Timbales
Jairo Duran   Vocals
Alberto Salas   Piano
Ricky Adorno   Vocals
Luis Perez   Percussion
Richie Gajate Garcia   Percussion

Technical Credits

Guillermo Guzman   Mixing,Arranger,Producer
Chris Rakestraw   Assistant Engineer
Dennis Moody   Mixing,Engineer
Luis Villegas   Arranger,Composer
Ricky Chao   Assistant Engineer
David Goldner   Photography
Sharon Kearney   Assistant Engineer
Mary Perez   Artwork,Design
Felipe Bermudez   Design Assistant
Jeff King   Mastering
Rique Pantoja   Arranger
Luis Perez   Whisper