About this Artist

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Editorial Reviews

There has been an explosion of interest in Latin American music over the past few decades, though some countries have received more attention from the Northern Hemisphere than others. Notable success stories include the Argentine tangos of Astor Piazzolla, the brilliant Brazilian pop of Caetano Veloso, and Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club. But what of, say, Venezuela? Enter John Williams. On El Diablo Suelto (Devil on the Loose), the Australian guitarist presents a collection of dazzling works by a host of composers who blended indigenous folk traditions, the guitar technique of the Spanish invaders, and the music of the Africans originally brought to the country as slaves. The result is rhythmically vital, earthy, and tuneful. From the title track (a vertiginously intricate valse criollo by Heraclio Fernandez) to Antonio Carillo's melancholy "Como llora un estrella" to the spicy Spanish flavor of "Alma llanera" by Pedro Elias Guttierrez, the program encompasses an amazing diversity of dance-influenced expression. Of course, Williams is an extremely persuasive advocate, and his virtuosic, vivacious interpretations are a delight in themselves. The real joy here, however, is the discovery of such a marvelous body of music. Gracias, John! Andrew Farach-Colton, Barnes & Noble

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