Album Review: Gabriella from Miguel Espinoza Fusion
Album: Gabriella Artist: Miguel Espinoza Fusion Label: Self-Released Website: www.miguelespinozafusion.com The core members of Miguel Espinoza Fusion are guitarist and leader Miguel Espinoza, cellist Dianne Betkowski, and bass player Randy Hoepker. Together, they are joined by a litany of guest musicians that include Dave Hagedorn on vibraphone, Christian Teele on percussion, Priya Hariharan on carnatic violin and vocals, Nabin Shrestha on tabla, Howard Levy on harmonica, David Balakrishnan on violin, and Victor Mestas Pérez on piano, for the group's 2023 release Gabriella . The group's spicy fusion of Latin flavors, gypsy folk, swing, rootsy blues, and Celtic influences is stimulating, taking the listener along an uplifting, sonic ride. The whirling strings of Betkowski's cello cascade across "Whistlin’ Down The Street," trellised by the tangy wisps of Espinoza's guitar. The intricate lacework of Balakrishnan's violin add ornamental frills to the mi...