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MAY 2019
TOP LIVE LATIN-STYLE GUITAR BAND INCENDIO
DROPS ELECTRIFYING NEW ALBUM
If you are lucky enough to have seen the band Incendio perform in concert (and they tour a LOT), then you know what an incredible group of musicians they are and how they put on an energetic, electrifying show that starts with lots of Latin-style acoustic guitars, bass and drums, and then incorporates a blend of world-fusion sounds and styles. Their tenth album has been released and it features more of the same, and then some (with the addition of electric guitars, piano, synths and the occasional organ, violin, accordion, horn section and percussion).
If for some reason you don’t know Incendio, you might have heard or heard of their guitarists: Jim Stubblefield (who has seven popular solo albums) and Jean-Pierre Durand and Liza Carbe (who have two well-received duo recordings). Plus their drummer, Timothy Curle has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Josh Groban, Elton John, Herbie Hancock, David Foster, Chris Botti, Angelique Kidjo, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, John Williams, Bela Fleck and many others.
The album is titled Summoning The Muse and they did not just summon it. They demanded that the musical inspiration step forth and present itself loud and clear. This is highly-melodic, full-bodied music that really moves. Its catchy lines and rhythms will definitely get your foot to tapping and, if you are not careful, the music might just force you to get off your butt and start dancing.
The album begins with “Monte Carlo,” an upbeat tune with a tight arrangement and a lead nuevo-flamenco guitar. Then the band shifts gears a bit to offer “Rumba Poderosa” which sounds like it could have come from an early Clint Eastwood western film like “The Good, the Bad and The Ugly.” That tune has some nice acoustic soloing, but is propelled by the drums. Likewise the next piece, “Running,” has more driving drums plus some nice bouncy synth in counterpoint to the Spanish guitar work. Speaking of catchy, “Dog Mountain” has a riff that absolutely gets under your skin.
No need to dissect every tune, but I must point out “Don’t Pretend” with its Latin horn section, organ break and electric guitar that seems channeled through Carlos Santana’s soul. The other unusual change-of-pace is the fast closer, “Amazon River Hoedown,” sort of a rootsy, almost zydeco-breakdown that has enough Latin rock in it to make Ritchie Valens proud. You expect the bandmembers to shout out “La Bamba” or “Tequila” or something similar throughout. This one includes acoustic and electric guitar soloing plus a dynamite accordion played in the studio, according to the publicity notes, by Joel Guzman the day after he performed in Paul Simon’s band at the Hollywood Bowl.
Let’s just say that if you like a nylon-string Spanish-style acoustic-guitar playing beautiful melodies and runs and then backed by a tight band full of energy, then what are you waiting for? Track this puppy down and give it a home.
