MASTRETTA
self-titled (Minty Fresh)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

---

This release is a sampler drawn from various EPs, full length releases, soundtracks and other projects by Spain's exotica wiz, Nacho Mastretta. From jazzy cha chas to a Spanish klezmer tune with lead Theramin, Mastretta covers an impressive range of sounds and styles, and does it all with aplomb. Most impressively, he does it all without a hint of irony. He may turn to other eras for inspiration, but he's not simply reproducing old styles with a sly wink as was too often the case in the lounge revival of the nineties. He's making new music with those early inspirations, stretching the borders of the genre as he honors it. Hopefully this is a harbringer of more from his European catalog, including full releases of some of his first rate albums and soundtracks.

Track List:

White Sheets, Tight Bed * Latin Lover * El Ultimo Habitante Del Planeta * Anrea Doria * Luna De Miel * Trailer * I Want To Be In Cuba * Highballito * La Verdad * First Exit

© 2002 - Shaun Dale