Spanish Nights by Mark Gutierrez

contains an exciting mixture of latin and flamenco rhythms. There are rhumba flamenco songs, cha cha, bossa nova, and bolero. This C.D. uses the instrumentation of two guitars and one bass giving it a very unique sound.

CD Reviews:

LA Jazz Scene March 2001

"The acoustic sounds of flamenco music can lie serenely on the back patio or stomp assertively on the dance floor. With an album of his original compositions, acoustic guitarist Mark Gutierrez blends the essential elements, plus a few that we've come to know through more recent generations. The gentle bossa nova of Jobim and relaxing Sunday afternoon moods of New Adult Contemporary radio waves conmingle with centuries-old dance rhythms and harmony.

With bassist Jose Marino, the guitarist takes his turn at "traveling the world" on a musical vessel. The session runs smooth with a perpetual motion. Gutierrez' classical guitar tremelos and fingerstyle technique merge with Marino's light, electronic ostinato. The album turns in a different direction when the guitarist sings an emotional "Our Love", introducing the pop singing practice of riding each syllable for all its worth. Gutierrez and Marino work well together. Their session runs smooth and should appeal to anyone looking for accompaniment to a lazy Sunday afternoon."

-Jim Santella

Latin Beat Magazine April 2001

"Spanish Nights" profiles the talents of Gutierrez simply with the aid of his acoustic guitars, the magic of multi-tracks, his occasional vocals, and the accompaniment of bassist Jose Marino. A truly unplugged performance recorded to captivate the live sound of his string instrument in duet with a bass minus the customary addition of percussion or other instruments, the CD includes 11 original compositions with a bonus reprise of the title selection "Spanish Nights". From the sounds of nuevo-flamenco-inspired pieces to jazz-oriented musical passages to more festive Caribbean and Latin American rhythms, there's a whole world of music in this production rendered exclusively on string instruments and by only two musicians. -Gil Rivera

L.A. Jazz Scene, May 2001

Mark Gutierrez has a likable Spanish style on the guitar, playing music that falls between middle-of-the road Latin tunes, flamenco, and Afro-Cuban jazz. On his melodic "Spanish Nights" CD, Gutierrez plays duos and trios (sometimes overdubbing a second guitar) with bassist Jose Marino. All ten songs are by the guitarist and the emphasis is on soothing sounds, low volume, inner heat, and light catchy Spanish rhythms.

The concise performances flow easily from one song to another. "Our Love" and "Spanish Nights' are heard in two versions with the former also including a vocal by Gutierrez during the second go-round while "Spanish Nights" is reprised in abbreviated form at the set's conclusion. But in general the music does not really need analysis for the strong musicianship and the easy-going melodies are accessible and enjoyable. -Scott Yanow

New Age Voice Magazine, November 2001

Savor the intimate acoustic guitar stylings of Mark Gutierrez in the quiet time of the evening when you are not rushed and your relaxed mood fits the feel of his flamenco and latin style finger picking. The dozen tracks on this album are infused with sweet melodies and a soft acoustic tone. All are instrumnetal except for one track, and on that track, Gutierrez cuts loose with the romantic ballad, "Our Love", sung in English (which adds just the right touch to the whole mix he has presented the listener). Tracks like "Spanish Nights" and "Flamenco Mood" also express that style in a robust manor, and then there are other veins of music that run through "Mi Alegria" and "Como Asi", which have a latin phrasing and rhythm, while "I Still Remember" and "Amanda" could be better described as contemporary music with a latin flair. The entire collection of 12 tracks all flow together as a very appealing romantic suite (or maybe "sweet" would be better in this context). So if you are craving a taste of some easy listening with a vibrant pulse and a romantic heartbeat, "Spanish Nights" might be just what you were in the mood for.

EarBuzz.com

Mark is a masterful instrumenatlist-as evident in his cd "Spanish Nights". His single line melodies have such passion within his compositions and interpreatations-clear, concise, and heart felt. This is Spanish/latin/flamenco/ and jazz world class instrumental guitar music. Perfect!

Average Customer Review: