Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ottmar Liebert: Waiting n Swan

5

Ottmar Liebert: Waiting n Swan

By

Sign in to view read count
Ottmar Liebert: Waiting n Swan
Ever since Eric Clapton covered "I Shot The Sheriff," back in 1974, the Bob Marley catalog has been a source for a multitude of interpretations and tributes, in every conceivable genre. His legacy in the annals of modern music is secure, and continues to be an impact on a worldwide scale, both in music sales and as an inspiration and influence to other artists. Guitarist Ottmar Liebert has been no exception to this trend, and on Waiting n Swan he delves into Marley music with his customary passion and virtuosity.

Liebert has been on an exploratory trajectory beginning with his debut "Noveau Flamenco," which exploded on the instrumental charts in 1990. With over twenty albums out, he has dedicated his life to intense study and experimentation of flamenco oriented guitar. Discovering an underlying similarity between the flamenco variation known as tango and reggae, Liebert maintains the melodic structure of the original, complementing with his unique embellishments and improvisations.

Opening with "Is This Love," a relaxed mood is established which is adhered to throughout. "Could You Be Loved," is accelerated with just the right amount of spicy strumming added for a gypsy flavor. "No Woman No Cry," is opportune for light soloing, as is "Jamming," since both are at a laid back pace. "Three Little Birds," becomes a rhythmic interplay with background percussion and a tasty accordion. Adding an accordion to the ensemble brings an eerie Argentine tango taste to "Them Belly Full," and the perennial favorite "I Shot The Sheriff," is taken to that flamenco zone Liebert knows to well. Closing with "Waiting In Vain," was a wise choice for it lends itself to familiarity with an edge. Liebert going out with his thoughtful and focused finger pickings, while keeping that percussive pulse in an essential pocket.

Liebert brought back a couple of his original songs "Heart Still/Beating," and "Barcelona Nights," from previous records, but they are given a fresh coat of reggae, in keeping with the albums concept and direction. This is the music of Bob Marley done with grace and finesse—with all the pomp and panache that Liebert is acknowledged for—and the proper respect and integrity it deserves.

Track Listing

Is This Love; Heart Still/Beating; Swan; Could You Be Loved; No Woman No Cry; Jamming; Three Little Birds; Barcelona Nights; Them Belly Full (But We Hungry) I Shot the Sheriff; Lively Up Yourself; Waiting In Vain.

Personnel

Ottmar Liebert: flamenco guitar, drum programming, palmas; Jon Cagan: electric bass, pick bass, upright bass, keyboards, sound design; Chris Steele: drumkit, cajon, percussion; Mark Clark: timbales, percussion; Bobby Rothchild: cajon, djembe, silverware; Char Rothchild: accordion; JQ Whitcomb: trumpet.

Album information

Title: Waiting n Swan | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Spiral Subwave Records

Comments

Tags

Concerts


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.