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You would probably never think of a Latin music album coming from Norway. Well, this 13-track CD fits that description. Danza De Andalucia is, in fact, the debut album of the Norwegian guitarist Asgeir Aaroen. The following is an overview of this unique work that incorporates the sounds of Latin music into the broader context of World music. Let's take a closer look.

Introducing Asgeir Aaroen

Before we get into this album, I would like to say a couple of things about the musicians involved in this project.

Asgeir Aaroen is a Norwegian guitarist and composer who plays mostly Flamenco guitar. He is also the person who wrote all the music and arrangements on this album.

In the making of Danza De Andalucia, Asgeir Aaroen worked with violinist Bjarte Mo and other talented musicians based in Stavanger, Norway. The artists involved in this project come from different backgrounds such as Jazz (Magnus Rod Haugland), Latin percussion (Gabriel Chicaiza from Colombia) and Classical music (Bjarte Mo and Saska Cvijanovic). Apart from these musicians, Flamenco dancer Noelia Sabarea is also featured on this album.

World Music Flavor

Considering the musical and cultural background of the artists who worked in the production of Danza De Andalucia, it is not surprising to get a world music sound from this album. The songs, which are defined by Aaroen's guitar and Mo's violin, were mainly inspired by Mo's unique way of playing the violin.

Danza De Andalucia starts in a solid way. "Sommarflørt (Summer flirt)," the very first track on this album, is one of the very best pieces on this CD.

It provides an exhilarating Gypsy beat adorned in a perfect way by the notes of Mo's violin.

After that, there is an interesting collage of sounds that combine fast-paced tracks with softer melodies. On top of all this, you can appreciate throughout the whole album the amazing musical talent of all the artists involved in Danza De Andalucia.

The album ends with "Sommarsong (Summer song)," one of my favorite tracks on this album featuring singer Aina Schold. Even though I have not idea what the lyrics of this song are all about (I can guess by the title), I find it beautiful. In other words, this track reinforces the idea that the plain good music behind this production may appeal to audiences all over the world.

'Danza De Andalucia' - Bottom Line

If you are looking for nice music to listen to, Danza De Andalucia will definitely meet your expectations. Moreover, if you are into Flamenco music this album will provide you with a very nice approach to this popular genre.

You do not need to go through the whole album to realize you are in front of a group of very talented artists who play their instruments in a fantastic way. Asgeir Aaroen delivered a very nice debut album that seats in the middle of the Latin and World music realms. With Danza De Andalucia Asgeir Aaroen has proved once again the global appeal that Latin music enjoys (literally) all over the place.

'Danza De Andalucia' - Best Tracks

• "Sommarflørt (Summer flirt)"
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• "Arabisk samba (Arabian Samba)"
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• "Natt i Netanya (Night in Netanya)"
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• "En la Playa (On the Beach)"
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• "Tango"
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• "Sommarsong (Summer song)"
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Record Label: West Audio Production As
Release Date: January 1, 2012