Ottmar Liebert + Luna Negra - "Borrasca" (1991)

Nominated for a Grammy, Borrasca is the third in the trilogy from Ottmar and his band Luna Negra, consisting of Jon Gagan on bass and keyboards and Dave Bryant on drums and percussion. This power-packed album (which includes 15 songs) features a few new surprises with special horn arrangements from Gary Meek on tenor and alto saxophones and Jeff Elliot on trumpet and flugelhorn. Co-producer and engineer Dominic Camardella adds his touch with a sultry Latin piano. Certified Gold!

Classically-trained Latin guitarist Ottmar Liebert scored a Grammy nomination with Borrasca, which means "tempest" or "storm." Every track is a delightfully enchanting blend of Flamenco-flavored Latin Jazz, superbly recorded and mixed. Great background music for dinner, reading, relaxing and sex. One of those rare albums that can be played repeatedly without becoming boring.

Borrasca means tempest or storm, and that's exactly what Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra have created in the new age/world music arena. This CD had been eagerly anticipated and the reception was nothing short of phenomenal. This third release augments the "power-trio" approach of Ottmar with Jon Gagan (bass + keyboards) + Dave Bryant (percussion + drums) with special horn arrangements that lend an almost mariachi flavor and strong Latin appeal. Borrasca was nominated for a Grammy award and was certified Gold/USA + 4 x Platinum/USA Latin.

Ottmar wrote all the tracks plus, co-produced, engineered and mixed at Sound Design Studio, Santa Barbara, California. Production, engineering and mixing are absolutely superb and reflect a perfectionist at work.

The album is an eclectic mix or Latin styles. For example tracks 1, 3 and 11 are rhumbas; track 2 is a cumbia; track 4, a merengue; tracks 6 and 8 are rhumba-salsas; track 5, a bossa nova; track 12, a bulerhumba; and, track 12, a bulerias.

Even though this album was recorded and produced during 1990-1991, it has not diminished with time and like good wine has improved with age. Sit back and enjoy. Like great wine, it is good to the last drop.

Tracks
1. Isla del Sol 3:44
2. August Moon 4:11
3. In the Hands of Love 4:42
4. Dancing Under the Moon 4:38
5. Twilight in Galisteo 5:03
6. La Rosa Negra 4:25
7. Borrasca 3:34
8. Bullfighter's Dream 3:43
9. Thru the Trees/Cloudless Sky 3:58
10. La Aurora 4:07
11. Driving 2 Madrid (B4 the Storm) 4:08
12. The Storm Sings 3:59
13. Night in Granada 3:52
14. 1st Rain/Cry of Faith 4:32
15. Bajo La Luna Mix 6:19