Full disclosure and fairness require that I mention that Fernando is a personal friend. I was introduced to his music about a year ago when a mutual friend let me listen to a couple of early unaccompanied versions of some of the songs that would eventually wind up on this CD. It was simply Fernando playing the songs on his guitar - no percussion, no keyboards, just solo guitar. Even on these early tracks, however, it was evident that these were great songs. The next time I saw Fernando, I told him so. I told him his style reminded me in some ways of Ottmar Liebert. For the last six or eight months, Fernando has kept me up to date on the progress of this CD project, and I have been eagerly awaiting it. When it was finally complete and I had the chance to listen to it, all I can say is that it was worth the wait. Fernando is an extremely talented guitarist, and he has found some equally talented musicians to back him up on this CD. These are "kick back on the beach after a day of surfing while you watch the sun go down" songs. All of the songs are great, but as with any CD, everyone has their favorites, and my personal favorite on this CD is track 2 - Elegance. After the intro, the song kicks into a truly beautiful melody. Check it out. You won't be disappointed.

The description of this album is spot-on; the musicians really do knock it out of the park. All of the musicians exhibit phenomenal ability to perform as well as the ability to refrain from engaging in "musical acrobatics" that are so common in the smooth-jazz arena today. My personal favorite track, Strive, is one that you won't just listen to, you'll experience it. Delicate, yet powerfully moving is the best way for me to describe it. After hearing Mr. Fonseca's arrangement of the Doxology, you will be ruined for all others - it's that good. Put away the common and mundane and pick up something fresh. This album is by far the best instrumental project I have heard in quite a while.

WOW, I love this CD, I play it everyday in my car, it's great, easy listening and I love it while driving. Fernando you rock my friend, keep them coming!