Search - Roberto Perera :: Christmas Fantasies

Playing a Paraguayan harp with backing from a soft-pop-jazz ensemble heavy on percussion, Roberto Perera plucks his way through 11 standards in an upbeat appraisal of sacred and profane songs. Add "Niño Lindo" ("Pretty Child") and "La Peregrinacion" ("The Pilgrimage") to the mix, and Perera's fantasies take on a decidedly South American flavor well suited to a mainstream audience anywhere in the world. While many harpists are long on mood setting and excessive runs, Perera plays with restraining décor, perhaps because he's the lead instrument in many of these pieces. With a spirited hand, he generously rolls a batch of seasonal favorites into his "Christmas Medley" and plays a scintillating "Silent Night" with some unexpected jazzlike breaks. Overall, a pleasant surprise. --Martin Keller