MISTERIOSO MANANTIAL

This album sits firmly in the 'laidback' category. It all flows by smoothly, yet isn't without intriguing harmonic/melodic twists and turns; they're just done in a subtle manner. Admittedly a tad on the commercial side when put up against the cream of, say, Triana, and the vocals can sound overblown to those unaccustomed to the style, but for all that, full of memorable, stately themes. Maybe I'm a sucker for twin-keyboard lineups and full- blooded production, but the surefooted confidence with which Alameda deliver their fine playing and compositional clout without always needing to grab the listener by the proverbials and demand undivided attention is not easily dismissed.