Wayne Wesley Johnson Review of "Canciones Del Alma: Songs From The Soul" @ iTunes By: Robert Silverstein aking the Nuevo Flamenco sound to it's loftiest peak yet, the 2003 release of Canciones del Alma (Songs From The Soul) from the New Mexico guitarist is a real revelation for guitar fans. Wayne Wesley Johnson's played with guitar legends including Les Paul and Nokie Edwards and his wealth of guitar experience and influences comes shining through on Canciones del Alma. The Spanish title underscores Johnson's affinity for uptempo, lushly recorded Latin-flavored instrumental music. The album features a number of skillful players and percussionists, including masterful drumming from K.C. Morris and right at the center of the soundstage is Johnson's ever inventive guitar work. Ventures guitarist Nokie Edwards appears on a new Latin rhythm version of "Walk Don't Run" called "Camina No Corras". Another highlight is a remake of the '60s surf-rock classic "Pipeline" again featuring Nokie Edwards on electric lead with Johnson carrying that supple Jazzamenco (tm) rhythm on nylon string flamenco guitar. The skilled fretboard practitioner that he is, Johnson often spices up the sound with rare, exotic instruments like the Chinese pipa, skillfully played by Gao Hong, and Bolivian pan flutes & charango of Mario Reynolds. Topped off by inventive label artwork and superbly detailed CD booklet, Canciones del Alma is a splendid sonic joyride filled with a wealth of dazzling instrumental guitar music. © Robert Silverstein / 20th Century Guitar Magazine Rumba Azul Balle De La Paloma Cancion Del Alma Fire Of The Gypsy Segovia's Dream Pharoah's Journey