Jim Falbo’s new album "Latin American Guitar Legends" contains an assortment of popular pieces from the Latin American region. Included in the album are Cuban-born guitarist Leo Brouwer’s gentle ballade “Un Dia de Noviembre,” (A Day in November) as well as João Pernambuco’s upbeat “Sons de Carrilhoes” (Sounds of Bells). Other stand-out pieces are

Jim Falbo’s new album "Latin American Guitar Legends" contains an assortment of popular pieces from the Latin American region. Included in the album are Cuban-born guitarist Leo Brouwer’s gentle ballade “Un Dia de Noviembre,” (A Day in November) as well as João Pernambuco’s upbeat “Sons de Carrilhoes” (Sounds of Bells). Other stand-out pieces are Venezuelan Guitarist Antonio Lauro’s three waltzes El Negrito, Andreina, and La Gatica, as well as the mysterious “Milonga del Angel” by Astor Piazzolla. Ending out the album is the endearing “Julia Florida” by Paraguayan guitarist/composer Agustin Barrios Mangore. The album is a true testament to the versatility of the young guitarist. Jim plays each piece with a passionate and delicate touch, keeping the composer’s original intent in mind throughout.

Track listing:

1) Tango En Skai (Roland Dyens)

2) Se Ela Perguntar (Dilermando Reis)

3) Xodó da Baiana (Dilermando Reis)

4) Alma Apaixonada (Dilermando Reis)

5) Danza Brasilera (Jorge Morel)

6) Prelude No. 1 (Heitor Villa-Lobos)

7) Choro No. 1 (Heitor Villa-Lobos)

8) Afro-Cuban Lullaby (Leo Brouwer)

9) Un Dia de Noviembre (Leo Brouwer)

10) Ojos Brujos (Leo Brouwer)

11) Preludio from "Suite No. 2" (Leo Brouwer)

12) Maria Luisa (Julio Sagreras)

13) La Gatica (Antonio Lauro)

14) El Negrito (Antonio Lauro)

15) Andreina (Antonio Lauro)

16) Milonga del Angel (Astor Piazzolla)

17) Sons de Carrilhoes (João Pernambuco)

18) Julia Florida (Agustin Barrios Mangore)

"It's all about the language of the finger-tips. A guitarist has to be a master of "pluck!" Minnesota guitarist, Jim Falbo is a true master. His new recording, Latin American Guitar Legends is what guitar playing should sound like. Languid Latin melodies like Leo Brouwer's "Bewitching Eyes" (Ojos Brujos) are haunting in their simple emotional treatment. But the playful rhythm of so much Latin music is also on full display. Antonio Lauro's "La Gatica" will have you tapping with both feet. Falbo is also a terrific sound "colorist." The Villa-Lobos Prelude No. 1 is performed with sundrenched brightness. (You may need sunglasses while listening!). This is a glorious recording from a guitarist who clearly loves this music and has the chops to caress the listener into a seductive and gorgeous sound world." - Steve Staruch, radio host on classical MPR 99.5 KSJN from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, Mondays thru Fridays.