Search - Huascar Barradas & Maracaibo :: Folklore From Venezuela

Beautiful, creative music

R. Woodruff | 10/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am a great fan of the music of South and Central America, but it is hard to find an album that is not just the run of the mill tourist fare. The title of this album almost turned me off for this reason, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the music of excellent quality. These are all serious musicians with academic and professional background, not just some street band. Huascar Barradas on flute leads most of the songs, and is extremely talented. The overall mood of the album is mellow, with occasional bursts of the driving rhythm typicaly associated with Venezuelan music. The music is relaxing but with enough complexity to keep you interested. I would have liked to have heard more of the harp, cuatro, bandola, however (the flute is great, but it dominates most of the songs). No worries buying this album. You will enjoy it."