Esperanza

by Stewart Mason There's usually an implied criticism in stating that an artist's latest work is simply "more of the same," but nothing untoward is meant in this case. Esperanza continues the same creative path as Dan Young and Lawson Rollins' earlier albums, but it does so flawlessly, refining the duo's sound to its essence. Backed by a percussionist (Alfredo Mojica, who also adds an expressive lead vocal to "Twanee") and an electric bass player, Young & Rollins' neo-flamenco takes in some jazz, Afro-Cuban, and classical elements, but the focus always remains on the driving forward motion of the duo's intertwined acoustic guitars. Proof that music can be technically flawless without lacking wit or soul, Esperanza is Young & Rollins' best album to this point.