Illumination

Illumination

Diversity of style is what makes <I>Illumination</I> an engaging listen. While purists may be offended by the electronic grooves in a few numbers, such as the poppy "Rambla Pacifica" and the Arabic-flavored title track, Incendio's Jim Stubblefield, Liza Carbe, and Jean-Pierre Durand--playing Spanish and steel-string guitars--get away with it because they're playing live and not sampling themselves. The threesome also utilizes the skills of many notable guest musicians, including drummer and percussionist Joe Shotwell, viola player Novi Novog, and flautist Steve Marsh. The beat-driven "Prajapati" plays off an Indian vibe, "Capetown Juerga" employs a jazzy approach, "La Corrida" invokes traditional flamenco, and the romantic ballad "Sophia" exudes immense crossover appeal. In fact, crossover is the operative word for the whole album. Old-school Latin and flamenco guitar buffs might not be as impressed as other listeners, but throughout <I>Illumination</I>, Stubblefield, Carbe, and Durand prove they have the chops to generate some gratifying Latin guitar fusion. <I>--Bryan Reesman</I>