Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 11/02/2004
Carlos Barbosa-Lima's second outing for
Zoho Music, entitled
Siboney, bears the mark of a master. The playlist is primarily solo guitar adaptations of Latin American favorites such as
"Guantanamera," "Drume Negrita," and the title cut,
"Siboney." There are, however, a number of delightfully spirited ensemble pieces, including
"Mambo No. 5," "Tico Tico," and
"Cachita." Barbosa-Lima's expert ensemble consists of New York
Latin jazz greats and
Zoho labelmates such as drummer
Dafnis Prieto,
Latin piano legend
Oscar Hernandez, bass player
Eddie Gómez, and conguero
Pepe Torres. It is clear that the guitar hero does best when on his own, as he is often either smothered or lost in the shuffle of a larger ensemble. His solo arrangements are well thought out, sensitive, and often deliciously minimalist. The disc is sonically warm and present, especially in solo or duo format. When
Barbosa-Lima is joined by more than one other musician, however, the mix becomes clumsy. Though
Siboney is hit or miss, at 20 tracks there are plenty of winners to outweigh the occasional awkward moment.
~Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
;)
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