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VIVA SPANISH NIGHT (DVD) Benise's fiery Spanish guitar will seduce you into a world of fantasy and passion. Be swept away by heart-felt performances with visions of Spanish dancers, Cirque performers, gypsy violin, and exotic drumming. The music and show that will touch your soul and leave you breathless! Special Features: -Interviews -Backstage Footage -Wide screen Presentation -5.1 Dts Dolby -Surround Sound -Filmed in High Definition -Photo Gallery -Interactive Menus **** Don't miss Benise's "Nights of Fire" now on PBS! A spectacular journey of music and dance through 50 performers. The show that celebrates MUSIC, LOVE, and LIFE! National tour this spring - check benise.com for concerts in your area. Reviews Benise: Viva Spanish Nights! Article by Susan S. Davis Pure Romantic Elegance, Punctuated With Exotic Rhythms and Acrobatic Dance Wizardry Benise (pronounced buh-NESS-ee) sold-out show at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza featured some of the finest Flamenco guitar anywhere these days, along with the phenomenal artistry of Cirque performers, acrobats, Flamenco Dancers and the Rosenagra Orchestra. Talk about amazing! Featuring original gems with sensitive poetic power and intense rhythms, executed with formidable technique on many levels, this show exuded an excitingly wonderful romantic and sultry presentation. The astounding self-taught stylings of guitarist Roni Benise are uplifting and energizing. With a seductive Latin flavor, BeniseÌs music is a tribute to some of the world's greatest Flamenco guitarists. Benise not only shows his respect for the masters of the genre, but his eclectic style exhibits a dexterity of guitar and masterful composition. Roni, has an exquisitely engaging playing style that could quite possibly make masters like Govi or Ottmar Liebert jealous. Roni brilliantly melds his guitar talents to create a fusion of traditional Flamenco accompanied by the exotic Latin rhythms and percussion of Carlos Lopez and C. G. Ryche. The bands technical skills are highlighted with a fluid, stunning virtuosity, demonstrating a distinctly original melting pot of rhythm all their own. With Flamenco guitar in the forefront, the clapping and fast percussion demonstrated how integral the beats are in the overall execution of the music, lending to the imagery of growing up in an old Latin neighborhood in the summertime. Other members of the band add their talents to make the show truly stand out as an authentic, yet newly intriguing explosive celebration of the Spanish Flamenco experience. The tangos, (sans guitar, with clapping, heels and voices) are equally exhilarating with a stellar choreography featuring a tantalizing merger of old and new, with an ever-present sensuality. There is a sensual gypsy grace in the dancersÌ movements, which had a lasting effect, as people were heard to discuss over an hour after the show. The hauntingly somber aura of Bridge of Sighs was uplifted by the sensual acrobatic dance beautifully executed. Thankfully, rather than cloak them in darkness, Benise showcases and celebrates his accompanist talents. Intro-ducing the artists in the show several times throughout the performance: Mycal Lomas on bass, percussionists Carlos Lopez, C. G. Ryche and the Rosanegra Orchestra (featuring John Tesh violinist, Jim Sitterly). It will be interesting to watch Benise's sure to be stellar career continue to develop. All of the performers in the show have a real passion for their music, exhibiting an amazing ability to maintain the interest level throughout the show, creating a variety for the traditional mix of Los Angeles ages and ethnicities. It is always exciting to experience an event that was obviously made with a deep sense of pride and heart. Benise: Viva Spanish Nights is a truly shining example of just how incredible and transforming instrumental music can be. Music can alter feelings and transport the soul to beautiful places. The essence of Flamenco is romance. Benise captures that essence, and if we are lucky, they are destined to become a major force in the word of Flamenco and the international language of music. Benise's ageless and timeless music is a must have for any guitar lover, romantic, or romantic hopeful. Visit www.benise.com to discover Nouveau Flamenco and what true artistry can evoke with passion and precision. ******* Viva Spanish Nights! Reviewed by Maria Martinez Benise delivers a brilliantly crafted show! The beautifully designed Thousand Oaks Center for the Performing Arts was host to the 1800 hundred seat sold out show. The Spanish flamenco style of Benise's music reflects the connection between the gypsy flamenco sounds and rhythms from Spain, Mexico and the Caribbean. The spectacular show featured cirque performers, Flamenco dancers and guest drummers. The musicians of Benise include Ron Benise (guitar), Jim Sitterly (violin), Gilbert Gonzeles (guitar), C.G. Ryche (percussion), Carlos Lopez (drumset and percussion) and Mychal Lomas (bass). The result is a powerful collection of musicians, dancers and performers. The opening of the show immediately drew the audience in with the delightful presentation of a young child dressed in a traditional flamenco costume offering a rose and blowing kisses while a Cirque performer hung fearlessly above the stage on two red curtains performing an exquisite ballet. Roni Benise has masterfully honed his craft as evidenced by the fiery and flawless guitar performances and solos throughout the show. Their rhythm section that included Mychal Lomas on bass created the powerful bottom-end which supported the rhythms and melodies of each song. With the special effects of lights and fog, Benise's music provided the back drop for different acts through out the show with the audience once again taken in by the introduction of flamenco style dancers performing to the traditional rhythms of the cajon. In addition, the Cirque performers accomplished acrobatic feats of incredible strength and agility during an act not for the weak of heart. The theatrics and interaction of the percussionist (C.G. Ryche) and drummer (Carlos Lopez) added to the entire visual experience of the show. Their unwavering pulse provided a solid groove throughout their performance. To add to a night of surprises, featured guest drummers; Ron Powell, Paulo Matiolli, Richie Garcia, Ronnie Gutierrez, Mike Gutierrez, Ricardo Wilkins, Fernando Diez, Michael Duffy and Matthew Huffschmit marched through the audience and onto the stage playing a 6/8 African rhythm on Djembes, joined by Ryche and Lopez. Ryche's array of percussion instruments also included a gong and Tiako drum which he played on "Bridge of Sighs". The two drummers went on to trade solos during "Allegria" that ended with a unison file which aroused the audience to an uproarious applause. Throughout the night it was these kinds of events that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. With a standing ovation Benise left the stage only to return and play Rhumba Rhumba as their final encore. The show ended with the introduction of all the performers and a final bow. Check out the artist's website: http://benise.com Track List: 1. Intro 2. Shakara 3. Luna 4. Mediterranea 5. Corazon 6. Santa Barbara 7. Tribal 8. Monserrat 9. Bridge of Sighs 10. Fandango 11. Rhumba Rhumba Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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