Gabriella
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The cultured guitarist Miguel Espinoza brings along a large cast for these diverse and worldly songs that are fusion at its finest.
The title track opens with Espinoza’s guitar and Christian Teele’s percussion making for a highly rhythmic landscape, and “Joy” follows with Dianne Betkowski’s cello and Priya Hariharan’s violin cultivating much grace and warmth.
“Whistlin’ Down The Street” lands in the middle and makes great use of Espinoza’s fluid guitar amid Randy Hoepker’s precise bass, while “Mermaid” is 8+ minutes David Balakrishnan’s violin complementing the swirling guitar of the album’s best.
Near the end, “La Lluvia” recruits palmas from Espinoza and Hoepker for the mysterious and rich delivery, and “Barrio Latino” exits with Teele’s percussion and Victor Mestas Pérex’s piano contributing much to the animated finish.
An experience that touches on Flamenco, classical, jazz, Celtic and Brazilian flashes, to name a few, Espinoza and company create rich and colorful ideas that will resonate globally.
Travels well with: Seulah Noh Jazz Orchestra- NohMAD; Vincent Lyn- Elysian Eclipse