Cafe Fuego
Roger Espinoza

Espinoza's solo debut demonstrates the beauty of the nylon string guitar; listening, one wonders how a single player can produce so many beautiful melodies and chords with bass undertones using just a single instrument. All the tracks on the album were recorded in a single take, giving it a live and spontaneous feel.

Many ethnic American instruments were used on the recording, including a cajon that was made by hand in Peru; a dumbec made by LP (Latin Percussion), and snake cocoon eggs, and indigenous percussion instrument from Costa Rica. There is also a Mexican accordion; a clay Udu drum from the Middle East, and traditional Latin timbales, bongos, cowbells, wood blocks, shakers and bata-style drums. One will also hear authentic Spanish castanets as well as guitars crafted by Conde Hermanos of Madrid and East LA's own Candelas.

"The theme of the recording," says Espinoza, "is to take Latin Guitar Rumba to the next level. It is a cross of Flamenco with new modern age rhythms. Its inspiration is to relate to listeners that Spanish music is not just Mariachis strumming a few chords. 'Cafe Fuego' takes a deliberately eclectic approach to educate people and let them know the many different styles Latin America has to offer. Each country has a variety of different rhythms, giving us unlimited possibilities."