Willie and Lobo - Zambra (2006)

Produced by trumpet phenom Rick Braun, this excellent recording features the Gypsy celebration and gathering symbolized as Zambra. Willie & Lobo have created a festive atmosphere on this, their 10th career recording as co-leaders. The tunes weave the sounds of the Middle East, Caribbean, Mexico, and Spanish flamenco into a cauldron of exciting sounds and rhythms that are sure to intoxicate your senses and carry you to far-off lands. "Donde Vayo" is a midtempo song that features the beautiful violin and guitar duo in perfect synchronization. Braun's trumpet haunts you with its melodic dynamics and creative influence. As the most stellar highlight on the CD, "Velas al Viento" wisks you away with its different rhythmic forms, exotic flavors, and Braun's muted coolness. This song simmers in drama and provides listeners with a fresh take on the Latin tinge. One of the most moving solos is from Lobo on "El Payo." The pair then use a variety of expressions to parlay their total effect and build masterful rhythmic patterns. "Balada Para Katrina" demonstrates the emotional state Willie & Lobo captured as the hurricane's devastation wreaked havoc only hours before the pair began the recording session. Zambra is definitely on par with their Gypsy Boogaloo album on which Rick Braun also collaborated, but is more versatile in its rhythmic choices and song selection.