Luna Blanca releases new album

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The German – Dutch border town of Bocholt is not where you would expect to find the birthplace of one of the freshest and most innovative flamenco guitar sounds to hit the airwaves in many years. But, luckily, music knows no geography.

Luna Blanca was formed in 2000 by virtuoso classical guitarist Richard Hecks and was inspired by German guitar legend Ottmar Liebert’s Nouveau Flamenco project of a decade early.

Over the course of the last nine year, Hecks - along with a changing cast of brilliant musicians including Michael Müller-Löchte on rhythm guitar, Herbert Schmeinck on percussion, pianist Helmut Graebe and bass player Werner Weißschädel – has been perfecting his unique sound and winning acclaim far and wide.

Now, with the release of its third album – the sublimely brilliant ‘Guitar Island’ – the band has reached new heights. The recent additions of Bino Dola on guitar and percussionist Sascha Pöpping has given the sound of Luna Blanca even more richness and diversity.

And the world is starting to sit up and take notice of this new blend of flamenco magic. The uplifting and inspirational ‘Rising Sun’ has already been included on the ‘Café World Lounge’ compilation alongside such luminaries as Nelly Furtado and Neneh Cherry. The song also features on the ‘Goa Chillout Zone Volume 1’ album.

Meanwhile, ‘Island Reggae’ – a beautiful tribute to the Caribbean that combines classical, flamenco and West Indian guitar stylings – has appeared on a ‘Global Rhythm’ magazine compilation CD.

It is the apparent ease with which Hecks and his changing band of musical disciples switch between and combine styles that has attracted such a global audience.

The record could be described as easy listening, or new age, or World music. But no label can do justice to the languid, natural and warm sounds that come from Hecks’ guitar, and from his soul.

Following the success of previous albums ‘Odyssee’ and ‘Magic’, as well as a schedule of concerts that has surprised and delighted audiences in equal measure, ‘Guitar Island’ is a record which will put Luna Blance firmly on the musical map.

Indeed, music this beautiful, this emotional and this original does not come around often. Anyone with ears should grab a copy while they can.