Concert Tour Review: Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra

Tucson, Arizona, June 26, 2008 - Only days after the release of Ottmar Liebert's newest CD, "The Scent of Light," he and the Luna Negra band held their first of the 2008 summer concerts tour, tonight. Twenty-two concerts remain for cities throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado.

The pied-pipers had no trouble gathering their enchanted fans into Tucson's historic downtown Fox Theater. Their mesmerizing blends of jazz, flamenco guitar, rock, pop, percussions, and the deepest of heart and soul, gathered folks from the college crowd to the octogenarians.

The theater's historic art deco design helped set the tone for the charming romance in anticipation for all. A velvety cloth path, scattered with votive candles to light the way, meandered across the stage, setting the intimate tone for the musical experience to come.

As subtle background lighting suggested a giant heart on the massive velvet drapery behind him, Ottmar Liebert walked barefoot to his stool, settled himself down, picked-up his classic guitar, and began to play. One might expect that, while the audience welcomed him in applause, he might look out, nod, or wave, but that did not occur. He was focused. He was the guitar. Ottmar set the tone for the evening in his creative style.

Luna Negra soon joined him on stage, and the circle was complete. Magic enveloped the theater as the grand musician seamlessly weaved flamenco into jazz, and much, much more. Spontaneous yelps of, "Ottmar!" and "Yeah!" randomly spouted from the audience. Somehow, the outbursts always seemed at the right moment, and waves of approving applause rippled through the crowd.

The musicians played at least five or six sets before addressing the audience. Ottmar softly spoke, as he thanked all for attending, and introduced each member of Luna Negra band. The fans whooped and hollered when Ottmar announced the next piece we'd hear would be "Snake Charmer!" This instrumental, not unlike any by these gifted musicians, was magical and alluring. Watching the percussionist do his magic within this piece, as well as listen to him, charmed the entire theater into a musical trance. Two hours and fifteen minutes later, thanks to a generous encore performance, each and every fan left with a smile on their face. Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra became their instruments within seconds of entering the stage. For the audience, it was as if we witnessed their private jam session. This was not like a concert at all. It was intimate. It was romantic. Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra were "hot" in Tucson!

It's no wonder they've had many Grammy nominations! Expect no less of the barefoot music master and the 'black moon' music wizards, as their 2008 summer concert series hearkens the soul to venues across America. They should be seen and heard live to truly appreciate the breathtaking talent possessed by each. Check out their website for the concert venue closest to you.