This collection of songs showcases Ricardo Peña's versatility as a singer, pianist and guitarist, as well as a songwriter and producer. The album opens with a powerful pop-rock ballad featuring vocal harmonies, hammond organ, the brightness of rickenbacker guitars and a great arrangement. Waking up on Isla is a high energy Latin Rock number featuring a great afrocuban cha cha groove and Ricardo's electric guitar leads and grand piano that paints great images of Isla Mujeres in the Caribeann. It could've been me is a pop ballad featuring a string quartet and great back up vocals that talks about a great love that could have been. The future is here is a Beatle-esque tune with philosophical lyrics about reality versus our naive dreams. Many Miles between us is a rock ballad with harmonies in the Eagles style that mixes Latin percussion and afrocuban rhythms with a straight pop groove. How can I not love you? is an up tempo salsa tune with a traditional afrocuban instrumentation with added electric guitar harmonies. Acuerdate de mi in a bolero in spanish in the style of Los Panchos. A song about a childhood love in Mexico where Ricardo grew up. No is a bluesy groove with a Latin groove, that showcases Ricardo's lead guitar and Ray Charles vocal influences. Fun is a great funky groove that is very popular in Ricardo's live shows. Lighthearted lyrics that talk about enjoying life! Boogie Woogie showcases Ricardo's impressive abilities as a Boogie Woogie and rock and roll pianist. If you felt Jerry Lee Lewis was a great pianist, listen to this! But not to you, is country song with strong hooks and a humorous lyric twist. This great groove features Ricardo's country pickin', swingin' piano, and great harmonies. Throughout the album you hear great arrangements by Ricardo and great musicianship by Colorado's finest musicians: Christian Teele on Drums, Mickey Donofrio on Bass, Eric Robnett on Congas, String players from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and many other fine musicians. A collection of fine songs that cover several musical styles and that feature great vocal and instrumental performances. A CD that will leave you wanting to listen to it over and over again!
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