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Luna Blanca – Flamenco Music of El Dorado
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International Nouveau Flamenco ensemble Luna Blanca is now leading the way to worldwide prominence b...International Nouveau Flamenco ensemble Luna Blanca is now leading the way to worldwide prominence by their festive new release entitled El Dorado. The vibrant forerunner to Luna Blanca’s new album was their celebrated flagship album Provence, which in retrospect is, one of the best Nouveau Flamenco releases from coast to coast.
Luna Blanca has ascended to the highest summit as a group, nearing the verge of perfection with their elite signature song melodies that have carried them to international acclaim on every continent.
This time around Luna Blanca intensifies their musical fortitude by moving Nouveau Flamenco music to new elevations, where no artists before them have reached. The highest latitude of earlier success may be due in part to a precise focus on producing energetic song melodies. Created with true passion, it’s only natural Luna Blanca’s vibrant flamenco music appeals to a broad multicultural audience.
The Germany based band Luna Blanca, who regularly perform live concerts, have reached international prestige over the past decade and duly earned their reputation as one of the most popular Nouveau Flamenco music ensembles worldwide. The cosmopolitan sound qualities heard in El Dorado express the diverse ethnicity of Nouveau Flamenco with classic sophistication and grace, yet the sunny casual atmosphere is the greatest defining characteristic of Luna Blanca.
El Dorado is a remarkable new flamenco album by the straightforward presentation of Luna Blanca, and the inherent qualities of artisanship that first began their rise to popularity. It is clear to me that Luna Blanca has their fingers placed on the pulse of today’s popular Nouveau Flamenco music style.
Masterful in this new flamenco music release, founding band member and guitarist Richard Hecks, and co-composing pianist Helmut Graebe, select world-class musicians like brilliant rhythm guitarist Bino Dola, and Clemens Paskert, a dazzling performer on bass guitar, percussion and second part keyboards.
Luna Blanca clearly has a new reason to celebrate in 2012 with the release of their new El Dorado album. When taking into consideration the Top 10 radio chart success, glowing reviews and accolades given to Provence the past year, it’s as if their time for festive celebration is never ending with each passing year.
Luna Blanca has produced an exhilarating new wave of excitement with this new project in 2012 which nearly guarantees El Dorado will be one of the best and most talked about Nouveau Flamenco music albums during the year 2012 and beyond.
I can picture another year of honors and tributes, again with all glasses raised in a goodwill toast to Luna Blanca. Cheers!
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Luna Blanca Single Rocks Soundcloud
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Taken from the just-released Luna Blanca dPulse debut LP Nuevo Flamenco, the new-age / ambient band’...Taken from the just-released Luna Blanca dPulse debut LP Nuevo Flamenco, the new-age / ambient band’s single ‘Cafe” notched 10,132 full streaming listens on the newly-expanded dPulse Soundcloud last week.
Filling an ethereal space between traditional Flamenco and downtempo world music, the sound of Luna Blanca has captivated listeners everywhere, racking up numerous radio hits in their native Germany and worldwide.
Soundcloud plays for the dPulse/Ovrtone release of ‘Cafe’ last week were global, with a special focus on Asian markets, including the Philippines.
Nuevo Flamenco is now available on all major download stores, and is also available at dpulsedigital.com at a special pric
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American Chronicle: “Luna Blanca fuse Flamenco with elegance to create a world constructed only of sound.”
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Luna Blanca and Their Musical Escape in Provence
Luna Blanca’s Provence is an overwhelmingly instru...Luna Blanca and Their Musical Escape in Provence
Luna Blanca’s Provence is an overwhelmingly instrumental with a couple of songs that showcase the human voice. It has a hint of Spanish sounds sprinkled throughout add a cultural and zesty feel to the album as a whole. Songs like “Crème Brule” satisfy ears while others like “Siesta” helps listeners calm after a hectic day. All the senses are taken care of with Luna Blanca is on hand. Fans of Armik and NovaMenco will gravitate towards Luna Blanca’s Provence.
Track 1: “Driving” will let listeners who’ve never experienced the country roads of Italy, finally have their time. Luna Blanca will take you from the comfort of your car or home and transport you to another place as if you were driving there yourself.
Track 7: “Café” takes the Luna Blanca vibe and modern sounds of ring tones and creates a sound that captures life at a café in the here and now. The fast progression helps to paint a picture of rush hour for that corner café on a weekday afternoon as the coffee flies from the baristas busy hands to the impatient hands of the patrons.
Track 12: “Sunset” is the perfect song to round out Provence. Starting the day with a drive, hitting up a café and then watching the sunset. Whether it was planned that way or not, Luna Blanca have their audience covered no matter what time of day they’re at.
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Musique du Soleil - Luna Blanca, the newest wizards of Nuevo Flamenco
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Provence is the background score for an idyllic life along the Blue Coast of southeastern France, a ...Provence is the background score for an idyllic life along the Blue Coast of southeastern France, a place of endless Mediterranean waves, never-ending sunny days and a unique spirit of bonhomie found in very few places on earth. France is, of course, steeped in rich history, but Provence has Nice, Toulon, Marseilles, and Aix-En-Provence. Every city has a story to tell. There is adventure and drama around every corner and romance in the eyes and hearts of everyone you meet. Luna Blanca, the newest wizards of Nuevo Flamenco have put that enduring spirit into 12 tracks of laid back music with a casual aire.
For over a decade Luna Blanca has been primarily powered by the acoustic guitar of founder Richard Hecks and the piano of Helmut Graebe. Several additional musicians are added to the roster as needed whether for studio work or live concerts. Hecks began his vocation in classical music, but after being exposed to the music of Ottmar Liebert, his fate was sealed and Nuevo Flamenco became his inspiration. Graebe began his musical career on bass, but his piano stylings got him a start with the band. Joining the Flamenco duo on the recording are Bino Dola on guitar, Clemens Paskert on bass, and Uwe Gronau on the fabulous Hammond organ.
Start at Aubagne, get on the A50 and head east. It does not take long for the magic to come about as you travel the roads of Provence. "Driving", the opening tune to the album sets the course for adventure and fun. Great guitar stirs up the dust, get the blood flowing and makes promises that the days will be cheerful and light. And just think, Italy is just up the road.
There is a warm, prevalent wind that blows starting from the northeast of France all the way down to Toulon. It is called the mistral and when the wind blows, anything can happen. Luna Blanca's tune "Mistral" is a caper of friendly faces, jaunty attitudes and sunny skies. With the strong lead of Hammond organ, the tune is reminiscent of Hang 'em High, a very popular 60's song by Hugo Montenegro.
All I know about "Cote d'Azur" or the French Riviera I learned watching James Bond movies. From Menton to Cassis, it is the road most traveled on land and by sea it is the favorite docking port of any yacht longer than fifty feet. The crashing of ocean waves and sultry Spanish guitar opens the song and the book of romance. Cote d'Azur is a melting pot of many nationalities that have come from the far corners of the globe to imbibe is the wines, bake in the sun and to find the special someone that the stars has been guiding there all along.
The Cafe. It is the heart of the town. It is the meeting place for business, for friends and for lovers. The guitar sings, the dancers click on hardwood and the air is festive. There is the sound of constant laughter, the clinking of wine-filled glasses and the tapping of toes or fingers. But there is an underlying mood. There is the rage of a jealous lover, the deceit of a vengeful business partner and the subterfuge of deep, dark eyes and ruby red lips. In the tune "Cafe", the heart beats, the wine flows and the music lights the fires.
With all the levity and liveliness on the album, it was finally time to come back to earth and the tune "Gipsy" seemed to do that in a most melancholy way. Perhaps, it is more subdued than it is sad. The slower tempo and quiet chords changed the mood considerably, but we are none the worse. Maybe it is there to reveal one of the many facets of life on the Blue Coast and that we must take the good with the bad, the serious with the somber.
The album and the day close with the tune "Sunset". The sky takes on the colors of pale jewels as only it can on the coast. Amethyst and emerald skies mix with the gold as the day greets the night. Suddenly, the stars wink on and the night transforms the mood into one of quiet bliss. The night cools the skin, but not the heart and the music makes such wonderful and unpredictable promises.
This wonderful album puts Luna Blanca into the same school as Johannes Linstead, Ottmar Liebert and Benise. Their solar powered attitudes and love of music makes the album completely enjoyable over many genres. If anyone ever said, "Put on some lively music, please", this would be the album. Turn it up and enjoy.
"Rating: Very Good"
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The quintessential Kings of Nuevo Flamenco
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Provence lies in the south eastern corner of France right on the Mediterranean and is beloved by pai...Provence lies in the south eastern corner of France right on the Mediterranean and is beloved by painters who rave about the “soft light” it offers. Renoir, Matisse and Pablo Picasso have all spent time and painted here. Apart from the title, another interesting thing about Luna Blanca is that they actually screen original artwork during their stage performances. The quintessential kings of Nuevo Flamenco, Luna Blanca (founded in 2000) is the brainchild of Germany’s Richard Hecks and Helmut Graebe and features driving guitars, lush arrangements and highly memorable tunes. Their latest work PROVENCE is a delightful 12-track ‘amuse-bouche’ with tunes titled in French and Spanish. Favorites include “Driving,“ a fast paced road tune featuring guitars and flute, “Côte d’Azur” with brilliant vocals and Mediterranean warmth and the sweet sound of “Crème Brûlée .” PROVENCE is a really evocative glimpse into the world of European New Age.
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Together with Nelly Furtado and Neneh Cherry on “Café World Lounge” CD
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W.O.A Records, India's biggest International Independent Record Label, has partnered with Universal ...W.O.A Records, India's biggest International Independent Record Label, has partnered with Universal Music Australia to feature Luna Blanca from Germany on Universal Music's latest compilation 'Cafe World Lounge' alongside world famous artists.
Luna Blanca's song 'Rising Sun' is now featured alongside artists like Nelly Furtado, Neneh Cherry and Youssou N'Dour, who are all featured on the compilation CD Cafe World Lounge.
Luna Blanca's Rising Sun single is also one of the featured songs on the world famous compilation Goa Chillout Zone Volume 1 (W.O.A Records) and has also been on the No. 1 spot on various radio charts across the world.
"This venture with Universal Music Australia is part of our plan to grow larger and increase our network to support Independent artists so that great musicians like Luna Blanca can be featured alongside major artists like Nelly Furtado" says W.O.A International Founder and President, Oliver Sean.
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Provence is the name of this admirable new release by Luna Blanca
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Luna Blanca is a prominent Nouveau Flamenco ensemble from Bocholt Germany that has perhaps become th...Luna Blanca is a prominent Nouveau Flamenco ensemble from Bocholt Germany that has perhaps become the celebrated toast of the town in another part of the world by naming their latest Contemporary Instrumental album after a beautiful region of Southeastern France, amidst the countries of Italy and Spain, with a seaside boarder along the glistening coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Provence is the name of this admirable new release by Luna Blanca, along with the region of Southeastern France highly prized by a warmer climate, gourmet cuisine and regional quality vineyards, creating the picture-perfect setting for Luna Blanca’s new release that greatly succeeds at intertwining these luxurious qualities of refinement into their own creation of beauty.
Luna Blanca selected the nearby locality of Provence for a good reason since many famous authors, poets, and painters like Vincent van Gogh & Pablo Picasso had acquired inspiration for their artistic masterpieces. After reading more about this region of Europe it became clear to me why Luna Blanca members regularly travel to Provence for their creative inspiration, and it appears everything was well designed during their masterful adaptation.
Luna Blanca is prevalent on an international level and where founding lead acoustic guitarist Richard Hecks, first trained in classical music initiated his crossover to New Flamenco and began writing the vibrant original compositions we hear today. Helmut Graebe is a principal member with spirited piano and organ rhythms and on Provence, Hecks and Graebe had an equal hand while composing their parts along with the instrumental compositions of talents Bino Dola on rhythm guitar, Clemens Paskert on bass, percussions, and added keyboards. Juan & Carolina provided some vocals and guest musician Uwe Gronau is featured on two songs playing organ and accordion.
First song Driving sets the contemporary surroundings in motion for this pretty as a postcard destination in Nouveau Flamenco music and where everyone will be able to perceive their picturesque connection to the region of Provence in the first few measures. Colorful in every way, Driving like each of the 12 songs are unique by their united but singular identity.
Gipsy & Francoise nicely exemplify this ever changing diversity since each have passionate melodies and charismatic rhythms which vary noticeably but interblend conclusively from song to song, representing one of many progressive attributes of this album in entirety. Mistral has a fascinating groove based melody with accented organ and keyboards parts exhibiting many fine upbeat runs in parallel time with exciting acoustic guitar rhythms.
Café has a tantalizing setting by trumpet and accordion refrains among progressive guitar and piano melodies which introduce an alluring arrangement to the surroundings.
Sunset & La Maison Bleue likewise display some great instrumentals plus the dynamic percussion rhythms heard on every song do more than merely lay the timing foundation for band members to build their melodies upon, so it is noticeable the percussion parts are a lively component in the total note by note Nouveau Flamenco atmosphere.
Crème Brulee is an inviting song given the calm serene impression and one that resembles Siesta, where moderately timed guitar melodies with piano accompaniment establish a comfortable mood of relaxation while also conveying at the very same time, a fine impression akin to white tablecloth elegance while the boldly accented accordion composition in Camargue introduces an elevated amount of European ambience by the intriguing sentiment.
Rosé is a song named after the house wine regularly served with the cuisine at local cafés and proportionate to the regional vineyards and fields of lavender, Rosé is an aromatic song for the senses too and while presented in more moderate time, the guitar and piano melodies fluently bring a fragrant bouquet of light ambience to the table.
Cote d’Azur is a majestic song finely poised by graceful half step guitar chords and piano counter melody which paint a romanticized picture of the French Riviera, concluding this song with the sound of coastal waters moving across the Mediterranean seashore, and with everything considered I wonder if anyone could ask for anything more.
Provence by Luna Blanca is an exciting new release, where admirable guitar and keyboard melodies express an anytime occasion for celebration. Together in unison, every member gives a brilliant performance and the spirited festive theme this new release portrays has the perfect entertainment setting. Casual and inviting by an open air sensibility, the members of Luna Blanca deserve every glass to be raised high in a toast of salutation. Cheers !
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"Rosé" and "Crème Brûlée" contain two of the prettiest melodies you'll ever hear
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Luna Blanca may start with flamenco music, but this eclectic instrumental group certainly doesn’t en...Luna Blanca may start with flamenco music, but this eclectic instrumental group certainly doesn’t end there. These twelve songs are mainly driven by Richard Hecks and his fleet-fingered guitar work. However, there is more than enough variety filling out "Provence" to keep the average listener’s attention.
For instance, "Mistral" hops to an upbeat reggae beat and funky percussion. And in addition to its acoustic guitar part, one also gets the added bonus of soulful organ, provided by guest musician Uwe Gronau, as well as the piano of regular member, Helmut Graebe. If you can picture it, "Crème Brûlée" sounds a little like Mexican folk music one moment, and Anne Murray’s "Snowbird" the next. "Gipsy" features horn-sounding keyboard effects, which give the track an especially full sound.
This creative act also incorporates sound effects now and again, where appropriate. Listen closely to the beginning of "Driving" and you can pick up a car engine. And naturally, "Côte d'Azur" features the calming sound of rolling ocean waves. Although this is primarily instrumental music, Juan & Carolina add vocals to "Sunset", while "Côte d'Azur" sports a spoken introduction as well as vocals.
Luna Blanca succeeds on two levels with Provence. On the one hand, this is wonderful music to accompany hot summer weather activities. It’s relaxing, natural chill music. Yet at the same time, it’s also challenging music. This is nothing like Kenny G. "jazz" music, which doesn’t take a whole lot of improvisational skill. No, friends, there’s some quality musicianship invested in these songs; the style may be relaxed, but the skill level is extremely high.
Although these musicians play their instruments well, they never sacrifice melody for the sake of just showing off. "Rosé" and "Crème Brûlée" contain two of the prettiest melodies you'll ever hear, for instance.
It’s also worth noting what an important role Helmut Graebe plays in this group. Richard Hecks may take the lead when it comes to providing each track’s melody, but Graebe’s piano work opens both "Rosé" and "Siesta". It’s as though Hecks lays the essential groundwork to properly frame Graebe’s playing.
"Provence" is a listening pleasure from start to finish. It’s the sort of CD to take along on that trip to the beach. And when you play it back at the house, it’s a little like bringing the beach back home with you. Even if Luna Blanca isn’t your cup of tea, maybe it will be your tall, cool glass of sweetened iced tea, instead.
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Luna Blanca breath new life in the sound of 21st century guitar instrumental music.
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LUNA BLANCA - Nuevo flamenco guitar is huge all over the world, especially in Europe where the guita...LUNA BLANCA - Nuevo flamenco guitar is huge all over the world, especially in Europe where the guitar has been romanticized for centuries. Case in point is a German group called Luna Blanca, a group of guitar practitioners who have just released a 2010 CD called Provence. The music of Luna Blanca is as appealing as the album’s cover art, which features pastel type colors adorning a scenic ocean type beach scape. Key to the Luna Blanca sound are the group’s two composers Richard Hecks (lead guitar) and Helmut Graebe (piano, organ). The two receive excellent support form a number of players including Bino Dola (rhythm, second lead guitar). I guess in part, thanks to the lush scenic soundscapes, Luna Blana describe their instrumental nuevo flamenco as new meditative flamenco, which should hold much appeal for New Age music fans. Although Hecks grew up listening to The Shadows and The Spotnicks, in recent years his focus has been further influenced by the guitar-centric sound of New Age guitar pioneer Ottmar Liebert as well the guitar based sound of The Gypsy Kings. A fine choice for nuevo flamenco and New Age guitar fans, Luna Blanca breath new life in the sound of 21st century guitar instrumental music.
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A Guitar To Tell Emotions
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After two projects, which were well accepted by the fans of the Flamenco, Richard Hecks is back with...After two projects, which were well accepted by the fans of the Flamenco, Richard Hecks is back with a new album, “Guitar Island“, in which rhythms with a Spanish touch and a yearning atmosphere describe situations of total relaxation.
It was in 1990 when a certain Ottmar Liebert celebrated his debut with “Nouveau Flamenco”. This album is dedicated to re-capturing the acoustic dimension through the simultaneous combination of rhythm and melody. Richard Hecks, who founded the ensemble Luna Blanca – with variable members – in 2000, allowed himself to be inspired by exactly this memorable production.
The debut album “New Flamenco Odyssee”, a clear homage to Liebert, or rather to the person, who allowed the typical sound of the Flamenco to be revived, was popular with those who appreciate the areas of the hot music. This also applies to the second work “Magic”. Above all thanks to the rousing live shows full of Mediterranean suggestions this German band has a large following of fans. The band gave rousing live performances such as that in Bocholt on the occasion of the “La Guitarra” in 2004 and in the following year at the event “Noche de Guitarra”.
Following on from the success they had achieved Richard Hecks realized the work “Guitar Island “ together with Helmut Graebe (piano), Bino Dola (rhythmical guitarist) and Sascha Pöpping (percussions), a CD with strong pathos, characterized by rhythmical suggestions and typical scenarios of Southern Europe.
“I love the Mediterranean panoramas, above all those of the South of France. The different landscapes of the Toscana also repeatedly manage to enchant me. It is exactly the images of these areas of land, which accompany me when I am composing and playing my music. If I take a step back into the past then I would like to go back to the year 1995. In that year I ordered my guitar from the well-known guitar maker Hermann Hauser. I had explicitly asked him to produce a guitar which should produce a soft sound. This is why for example the guitar top has been made of cedar wood. Going beyond these purely technical characteristics it was always my intention to play emotional music, capable of reaching the hearts of those who “listen”.
When was the cooperation with the other musicians, who accompany you in the production of Guitar Island, founded?
“Helmut is an old and dear friend of mine. We have known each other since the time at university. At that time we played together for pure fun, above all the Beatles’ songs. Bino was introduced to me by another friend, Reinhold Sprinz. I have known him for years, however it is the first time that we have worked together, the same as with Sascha. As soon as entered the recording studio there was immediately a great musical harmony.
One of the many sunny musical pieces of the CD is “Villa Azur”, which we have selected for our sampler. Where did the idea for this song come from?
“I often spend my holidays in the South of France, in a beautiful residence with the name Villa Azur. On a quiet day while I was sitting in the garden and looking at the horizon of the sea, the rhythms of a Rumba began to flare up in my head. When I returned to Germany these feelings flourished again and we developed the melody together with Helmut, whereas Clemens Paskert, our producer, subsequently added the trumpets in the studio. Every time I play this song, it appears as if I am returning to this beautiful place.”
Was the guitar always the instrument you preferred most?
“It is my first big love…. I began to play the electric guitar when I was a youth. In a band called The Condors. After this I discovered my passion for the classical guitar. I always loved discovering new directions of style, other techniques, various amplitudes of sound, however I never thought that I would turn my attention to the typical melodies of the Flamenco.”
And how did this passion develop?
“Everything began when I started to listen to guitaradio.com in the Internet. However, I truly became hooked with the production of Ottmar Liebert, particularly through “Santa Fe”. It was like a stroke of lightening. The Flamenco music became second nature and is now a part of me.”
Speaking of Ottmar Liebert…You have never denied being inspired by this artist: What fascinates you most about the style which distinguishes him?
“He knows how to unite beautiful melodies with the intensity of the Flamenco. An alchemy which always aroused my enthusiasm. Many classical Flamenco guitarists prefer to aim at the virtuosity, we on the other hand prefer the romantic and melodious aspect. Under this aspect Liebert is an important reference point“.
(New Age and New Sounds Magazine, Italy, Nr. 194, March 2009)
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Listening To Luna Blanca Like Travelling To A Warm Climate To
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Imagine you are in a sidewalk cafe in Provence, the south-eastern region of France. You are sipping ...Imagine you are in a sidewalk cafe in Provence, the south-eastern region of France. You are sipping either an espresso or the tasty local rosé wine; you are people-watching; a warm breeze caresses your skin; and the light is so fine you feel you are in a Matisse painting. And on your iPod or Walkman plugged into your ear are the toe-tapping new-flamenco sounds of the group Luna Blanca. To simulate this scenario, just put on this ensemble’s latest CD and close your eyes.
Listening to PROVENCE, the fourth album by Luna Blanca, is like taking a trip to the warm Mediterranean coastal regions of France or Spain. This is relaxing, feel-good music, but with a propelling beat.
The tune titles tell the tale of the trip: areas within the Provence region (“Cote d’Azur” and “Camargue”), the cafes and restaurants (“Café” and “La Maison Bleue”), food and drink from there (“Crème Brûlée” and “Rosé” wine), the special wind that blows (“Mistral”), the people (“Gipsy” and “Francoise”), the activities (“Driving” and “Siesta”), and enjoying the end of every day (“Sunset”). Quite a journey. If you cannot jump on a plane, do the next best thing and plug in this music.
Lead guitarist Richard Hecks plays acoustic, modern-flamenco style and should especially be complimented for his mellow, but perfectly appropriate melodies that he lays on top of a rich, lush, rhythmic texture created by the other players. Highly recommended. Their music can be found at lunablancamusic.com.
supersonic
