Album Review: Veneta from Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion

Album:  Veneta
Artist:  Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion
Label: Self-Released
Website:  https://www.meflamencofusion.com

Elements of flamenco dance, folkloric jazz, and chamber music come together in Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion's newly self-released Veneta.  From festive ambiences to contemplative moods and requiem-like hymms, the recording speaks to audiences on many levels.  Led by guitarist Miguel Espinoza, Veneta celebrates life and puts a positive slant on all of its experiences.

The rippling beats of the percussion set the foundation for the title track as Espinoza's guitar strings nestle beside the soaring yowls of  Dianne Betkowski's cello and then circle around the undulating billows of Lynn Baker's saxophone.  The multiple tiers in the track is a sonic feast for the listener.  The melodic sensibilities of the quintet bathe the listener in soothing effects along the wavy riffs of "Cayendo," producing an arrangement rife with balmy aesthetics, intricately woven and forming a series of beveled ringlets.

The folkloric twinkles splayed across "Gnossienne" are harmoniously groomed as Baker's saxophone springs out with a vibrant flare, drawing the listener's ears to the sprouting toots.  The dirge-tinged sonorous of "Sad" emotes a weeping sentiment that makes an upward shift, rising to an exhilarating mood as the instrumentation bolts into babbling surges with a festive countenance.

One would think the Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion has been performing together for decades based on their symbiotic rapport but the band was formed in 2018, merely four years together.  Their sophomore recording Veneta is kindled in soothing effects and sonically festive instrumentation that puts a positive slant on all of life's experiences.

Musicians:
Miguel Espinoza - guitar
Dianne Betkowski - cello
Lynn Baker - saxophone
Randy Hoepker - bass
Andy Skellenger - Indian tabla and Spanish Cajon
Mario Moreno - timbales, congas, and bongo