Ottmar Liebert - Poets & Angels: Music 4 the Holidays (1990)

Ottmar Liebert, an established flamenco guitarist, comes forth here with shining brilliance, presenting a charming collection of 15 songs worthy for a listen during a peaceful Christmas holiday. The songs, glistening with textures of smooth Latin rhythms, are played remarkably well and hold up fine as instrumentals. The CD begins with "Deck the Halls," a bright and percussive piece of festive magic. The second track, "Gloria," seems to take the listener to a higher and more positive place, keeping the world at peace at the end of a long workday. The listener will notice he or she is being pulled in by the gripping percussive Latin rhythms as the CD ages in length. The title track, is an creatively arranged and delightfully orchestrated piece that flows with both musical dexterity and melodic color. And if one imagines this collection is percussive enough, you ain't seen nothing yet. The collection moves along with great fluidity, capturing ones heart yet again with a compelling rendition of "Little Drummer Boy." At this point, the record begins to share its breathtaking improvisational flair with a solo exchange between drums, percussion, bass, and Liebert's classical guitar. "Noel" is played with a slight counterpoint between Liebert's lead melody and a very rhythmic second guitar. Soon the listener is in rosy dreamland and all is right with the world when some more instrumental surprises surface. With ten more decorated melodies to quench one's holiday thirst, Ottmar Liebert's music pays off as quite a success and is ideal gift material to that special someone during the holiday season.