Amigos

What a perfectly titled release, as Valentin and Mann's camaraderie on their five duets here is all at once playful and poignant, with healthy doses of improvisation thrown in for good measure. Bill O'Connell's standout solo piano sparkles throughout the sweet grooves of "Jesse's Samba" and the rousing eight minute closer "Obsession," but it is Valentin's perky way with the airy textures of his instrument which powers this flavorful collection. "Old Hill" begins as an improv laden duet with O'Connell and shows that Valentin is equally comfortable on moodier lines. Also enjoyable is the brassy "Savanna," on which Mann and Valentin trade of sweet eight bar solos. Two Amigos should appeal to lovers of Latin music and jazz flute, as well as anyone in the mood for a refreshing departure from the same old pop-jazz.

Los 3 Amigos - The Master of Mexican Requinto Guitar (1998) {Seven Seas Japan KICC 5242}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 326 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 153 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 45 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1998 Seven Seas / King Record Japan | KICC 5242
World Music / Mexican / Vocals / Folk / Bolero / Requinto Guitar / Guitar

A collection of Latin masterpieces using Mexican high-pitched guitars and Lekinto guitars.

Released in 1983, label-owner Miguel met the band in the Manchester before subsequently inviting them to record a single in Portugal. As the story goes, Vini came and recorded a whole albums worth of material, which would be quickly developed into following releases. This was the pre-cursor to Without Mercy and it contains some beautiful little tunes and is highly under-rated and overlooked.