"BEST WORLD ALBUM 2012" award: Richard Hecks and His Nouveau Flamenco Band Luna Blanc

Ray Manoharan:

The album El Dorado by internationally renowned German group Luna Blanca is an exhilarating journey throught a veriety of global music traditions, resulting in a vibrant mariachi/merengue world-fusion sound unlike any other. Luna Blanca's unique style consists of Richard Hecks' lead guitars, Helmut Graebe's piano and Keyboards, Bino Dola's rhythm and additional lead guitars and Clemens Paskert's bass, percussion and additional keyboards.

Using nouveau flamenco as an anchor, Hecks and company fuse together such diverse elements as classical, Latin, European, Hawaiian, reggae, and new age. The result is continually evolving musical hybrids that are infectious and engaging, pulling the listener in and never letting go. The rhythms are tight and the guitars are enticing and seductive. Although I have favorite tracks, the entire CD is a joy to listen to.

This is not only one of the best guitar-based albums ever, but also one of the best records of music in general.

From the winner of the "BEST WORLD ALBUM 2012" award: Richard Hecks and His Nouveau Flamenco Band Luna Blanca.

Luna Blanca, based in Bocholt, Germany, was founded at the beginning of the millenium by acoustic lead guitarist Richard Hecks. Their 2012 release, "El Dorado" was the recipient of the Best World Album award by Zone Music Reporter New Orleans for that year and Raj Manoharan wrote in his review: "This is not only one of the best guitar-based albums ever, but also one of the best records of music in general".

Helmed by classical guitarist Richard  Hecks, Luna Blanca has become one of the most popular nouveau flamenco groups in the world. Expanding on the idea that instruments can be used to capture a particular mood, Luna Blanca continues to captivate listeners and use carefully crafted melodies to evoke emotional response. The music of Luna Blanca has the ability to reach listeners of all ages through its energy and attention to detail.

Their latest release "Ave Maria No Morro" is an instrumental cover version from one of the finest holiday songs.

Richard plays all his music on a Hermann Hauser III Dream guitar.