Johnson/Romero
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Review of "Hypnotic Safari"
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ew World "Jazzamenco" is the terminology guitarists Wayne Wesley Johnson and
Ruben Romero use to describe their music, a hybrid of jazz, classical, and
fingerstyle techniques with a rumba rhythm. In their new album, Hypnotic
Safari, the duo present a sophisticated collection of original compositions
that showcases Johnson's fingerstylings and Romero's flamenco technique.
Wayne Wesley Johnson cites as his early influences such guitar greats as Les
Paul, Chet Atkins, Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, and Duane Eddy.
Initially a jazz style flat picking guitarist, he later picked up the
Thumb-picking country style from his buddy Thom Bresh and the fingerstyle
influences of Laurence Juber and others. The Latin sounds of Paco de Lucia
and Ottmar Liebert led to his interest in Flamenco and his friendship with
Ruben Romero. Romero, a Santa Fe native, studied flamenco in Spain and has
appeared with the Denver Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra, as well as having
been the subject of a musical documentary on PBS called "Simple Treasures."
He is considered one of the primary innovators of the "Santa Fe Sound." Both
musicians are recognized among the world's top guitarists, and Hypnotic
Safari is a virtuoso performance. If the cool, creamy sounds of Latin guitars
light your fire, this is the album for you.
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CD Revolutions
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