Ottmar Liebert has said that "flamenco is a music both romantic and dangerous; it is an attitude as much as it is a musical genre." Therein lies the philosophy that catapulted him to fame at the end of the '80s with an engaging mix of subdued flamenco guitar and South American percussion, rock, jazz, and pop influences. Ottmar Liebert, a five-time Grammy Award nominee, returns to The Ridgefield Playhouse and Palm Bay International World Beat Series with his dynamic touring band, Luna Negra, for an evening of jazz and cool vibes on Friday, May 20 at 8 p.m. What better way to start the evening than with a wine tasting courtesy of Palm Bay International at 7:15 p.m. in the lobby!
Liebert's "attitude" actually suppresses the more challenging and "dangerous" aspects of flamenco in favor of the romantic -- and the stylish. He has a feel for the music's innate sensuality and a gift for creating memorable melodies. After years of trying to hit the big time in various jazz-funk bands, he began playing acoustic guitar in Santa Fe restaurants. His first (self-produced) cassette, Nouveau Flamenco, was basically recorded for friends, but the album received heavy radio airplay on WAVE in Los Angeles. With his exotic good looks and enigmatic stage presence, Liebert has brought flamenco to mainstream America with a certain level of class and accessibility. His prowess as a composer and instrumentalist has steadily grown over the years. Make this a great night out with dinner and a show! Visit Piccolo’s Pizza and Jazzeria (24 Prospect Street, Ridgefield) for dinner and enjoy a complimentary glass of house wine with your entree when you show your ticket!
Liebert’s global musical success is partly an outgrowth of his cultural roots in a German household and extensive travel in Europe and Asia. He has released a catalog of classic recordings including the remix collection Euphoria, the live album ¡Viva!, the double CD Opium, the classical-oriented orchestral album Leaning into the Night, and with Luna Negra, The Santa Fe Sessions. In 2009, Liebert received the Silver award for Best Flamenco Guitarist from Acoustic Guitar Magazine. With the bass, keyboards, drum and percussion of his band Luna Negra, Liebert produces a lush blend of provocative sounds of fiery flamenco with texture derived from ambient electronics, bass and electric guitar.
A Santa Fe, New Mexico review praised Liebert and Luna Negra: “… experiencing this uplifting performer is a live music experience not to be missed. Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra’s concerts continue to break attendance records and we invite you to enjoy these concert events, support live music and bring your family and friends to an inspired evening of music by one of the truly great modern flamenco guitar players.”
For tickets ($47.50), call or visit the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.