July 26, 2011

If you’re a Latin jazz or Nuevo Flamenco guitar enthusiast, Russ Hewitt is a name you don’t want to ignore or forget.  Having been fortunate enough to review his debut release, Bajo el Sol, in 2008, I anxiously awaited this sophomore release, Alma Vieja, to see if he could match the imagination, the fluidity, and the smooth caress of that first release. Not only has he done so,  he has utilized his skills to employ diversity even more, mixing in solid smooth jazz (he collaborates with saxman Michael Lington here, as well) and the exoticism of  World music (to which he is no stranger).

Originality seems to be a very definite and integral part of Hewitt’s overall appeal and style. There is the mystique and joy of music from lands far away (try “Dhanyavad”), the electricity of the sweet and romantic Latin melody (“Gabriela Mi Corazon”), and the more rousing and seductively rhythmic among the Latin numbers (“Pelourinho,” “Miss Mimi,” and “Moonlake Drive” come to mind). There’s also the familiar and irresistible draw of good ol’ contemporary jazz (“Pacific Sunrise”).

Yes, Hewitt has a true handle on Nuevo Flamenco, and he’s obviously quite clear on how to merge other genre components that can complement it. He definitely seems to know what makes it all so attractive.  It’s one thing to demonstrate mastery of the guitar in this fashion; it’s quite another to be able to delve into the very soul of this music and extract something that you can mold into a solidly creative production. With the release of Alma Viaje, Hewitt has proven twice that he has what it takes to do just that. – Ronald Jackson