Spanish Kiss

While Latin influences are all the rage in pop music nowadays, it's good to expand beyond those boundaries and check out powerful instrumentalists like Villegas, a lightning quick flamenco guitarist who is the real deal. With energetic whimsy, powerful melodies, and intense seductive skills, Villegas should soon join Ottmar Liebert, Lara & Reyes, Jesse Cook, and Oscar Lopez as keepers of a traditional, irresistible flame. Villegas can play it both seductive and aggressive, and the mood swings and unpredictability help make the flow interesting. On the opening cut "Nueva Vida," he blends a high-tone melody with a loping rhythmic harmony line, hopping over a steady shaker percussion groove. "Salsa con Guitarras" is a speedy, hypnotic anthem complete with a festive chorus of voices repeating the title over a feisty weaving of piano harmony and explosive dual-lined melody. "Last Tango" is a sexy romance tune, with a gentle guitar melody wafting over a sensuous and light slow-dance groove. None of this energy would be possible without the dynamic interaction between Villegas and his great percussionists Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas, Luis Perez, and Richie Garcia.