Live At The Bellagio CD Review

Flamenco guitarist Nocy (who also plays other styles) likes to say that “If your heart is touched, my music has spoken.” Here with his first live album called Live at the Bellagio (due for release on June 30), it’s not hard at all to feel the touch of many of these tunes.
From the melodic up-tempo opening track (“Amor Mi Amor”), you know that it’s time for the fiesta. As a show of true eclecticism, the guitarist then launches full blast into a raw 12-bar blues tune (“Blues 66”) that is as much fiery as it is anything else.
From smooth Brazilian flavors to the irresistible flame of flamenco, the entire CD breathes exoticism. Among my faves would be the lead track, “Blues 66,” “Arabica,” the cozy and romantic “Imagine You’re In Love” with the lovely vocals of Felice Hernandez (in fact, her vocals are laced throughout the album, adding some additional color to Nocy’s already colorful guitar), “La Vida,” “Noce Time,” and the fiery “Ya Madame,” just to name a few.
Nocy says that this recording is a completely unedited one. You get that sense as you are transported to the Bellagio and witness all of the beauty and nuances of live recording.
As you can imagine, this album is full of life, romanticism, and electricity – qualities that keep Nocy’s music so very enticing. The mostly up-tempo tunes here have what it takes to keep hearts racing and feet on the dance floor.
From his debut release years ago to this current live CD, this is one guitarist who clearly knows how to effectively use phrasing, melodies, blindingly fast riffs, and catchy hooks to punctuate his wonderful brand of music. – Ronald Jackson