Album Notes

The CD is a really fun and eclectic mix of Latin and Alternative/Pop music. The project kicks in with "Que Locura", an up-tempo rhumba played with a smokin' rhythm section. "Mercury Reign" is an original Duarte composition in the infectious Samba-Reggae style of North-Eastern Brazil, backed by a thick percussion section. "Fantasy" is Duarte's take on the Earth Wind and Fire classic. The melody is played nicely on an electric nylon string guitar while a fire solo on the electric guitar takes the out-choruses. "Clocks" is an instrumental version of the Coldplay tune. "Malaguena" is the classic Flamenco piece, played solo and with a slight contemporary influence. "Mood for a day" is a slightly sped-up version of the beautiful Flamenco-inspired solo piece by Steve Howe of Yes. "Plush" was originally going to be an acoustic solo version of the Stone Temple Pilots tune, but I had to play it on the electric! "Say it right" is a full-band arrangement of Nelly Furtado's biggest hit to date, with the nylon string guitar playing the lead melody. Listen for the "surf-druids" taking the responses during the second verse! "Limon de Nata" is a "beautifully intense" Flamenco-Fusion piece composed by Vicente Amigo, played here with a Flamenco-style rhythm section of bass, cajon and hand-percussion. "K.O. (Passaro Livre)" is Duarte's first composition, again in the Samba-Reggae style. The overall effect is reminiscent of Santana with a Brazilian vibe. The lead is played on electric guitar, again with a nice and thick Brazilian percussion section backing.