Butterfly

Ottmar Liebert brought flamenco to New Age radio — a German-born guitarist who settled in Santa Fe and developed a melodic, accessible version of the flamenco tradition that reached audiences far outside the genre's usual boundaries. Nouveau Flamenco (1990) became one of the best-selling independent guitar records of its era.

Butterfly demonstrates Liebert's approach: fluid, melodic guitar work over a rhythm retaining the flamenco feel while softening its edges. The production by Jon Hyde gives it warmth that suits the music's contemplative quality.

Liebert's relationship to the flamenco tradition is that of a respectful interpreter rather than a practitioner — and the music he makes reflects that. Whether this is enrichment or dilution is a question worth asking, and the answer is probably both.