Barcelona Nights: The Best of Ottmar Liebert, Vol. 1 gathers the nouveau flamenco guitarist’s early career highlights, including the title track and “Heart Still/Beating,” both from his 1990 debut Nouveau Flamenco, as well as Borrasca’s title track and “Dancing Under the Moon.” Other highlights include “La Rosa Negra,” “Bullfighter’s Dream,” “In the Hands of Love,” and “Borrasca,” all of which showcase Liebert’s rich, sensual guitar stylings. Though this collection concentrates on his first albums, it reflects the strong beginnings of Liebert’s rock and jazz-tinged flamenco update. Along with Higher Octave’s deluxe reissue of Nouveau Flamenco, Barcelona Nights is a fine way to commemorate Liebert’s first decade as one of new age’s most popular composers/performers, as well as a fine starting point for new listeners. – Heather Phares
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