LEANING INTO THE NIGHT

Ottmar Liebert is the foremost practitioner of a style called nouveau flamenco--a synthesis of traditional flamenco, jazz and new age music. Liebert's guitar is supported by bass guitar, percussion and on this recording, full orchestra. LEANING INTO THE NIGHT features Liebert's unique interpretations of his own music as well as compositions by Mompou, Villa-Lobos, Ravel, Satie, and Puccini. Liebert's the subtle guitar virtuosity is well suited to each of the composers represented. In the "Prelude No. 3" by the Brazilian Hector Villa-Lobos, Liebert plays the lovely melody with a graceful intimacy that is made strikingly poignant by the support of the orchestra. The haunting "Adagio" from Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major is wonderfully executed--Liebert's playing is dreamy and shaded with a hint of melancholy. The program concludes with the famous "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's 'Gianni Schicchi' which sweeps the listener away as Liebert plays the aria on electric guitar. This magical program also features many of Liebert's own compositions which take on new life in the lush arrangements of Oscar Castro-Neves.

LEANING INTO THE NIGHT