ABOUT GUITARRA EXOTICA: "Guitarra Exotica" is Jim Stubblefield's first solo CD in ten years. As a founding member of the Billboard charting world music group Incendio, Stubblefield has been regarded as a fine guitarist and composer. "Guitarra Exotica" is a romantic and mysterious journey into a world of exotic melodies and tantalizing rhythms. With exciting pieces such as "La Selva Negra" and "El Vaquero", the infectious rumba rhythms will transport the listener to South America. The bulerías inspired "Gitana Mora" and the tangos inspired "One Quiet Night" draw influences from the wonderful flamenco rhythms of Andalucía. The hypnotic belly dance rhythms of "Eye of the Sun" are a wonderful contrast to the Eastern European sound of "A Gypsy's Kiss". Throughout the CD Stubblefield uses different guitars to match the mood of each piece. From the flamenco guitars on "Gitana Mora" to the gypsy jazz guitar on "A Gypsy's Kiss" to the electric work on "Rumba Arabe" and "Eye of the Sun", Stubblefield shows his versatility while also creating a well crafted blend of instruments. "Guitarra Exotica" features appearances by bassists Randy Tico (Strunz and Farah, Flora Purim, Airto) and Ruben Ramos. Violist Novi Novog (Prince, Doobie Brothers, Frank Zappa, David Arkenstone) and Bryan Brock on percussion round out the lineup. PRESS REVIEWS: LMNOP - babysue (Apr 1, 2008) "These tracks are polished to perfection and were recorded with minute attention to detail. Ten cool cuts including "One Quiet Night," "Eye of the Sun - Part 1," and "A Gypsy's Kiss." THE CELEBRITY CAFE (Apr 12, 2008) "Rich with traditionally exotic sounds and propelled by Latin rhythms, “Guitarra Exotica” is a veritable exhibition of international styles of acoustic guitar. Stubblefield and his band present a colorful and fairly diverse album, one I would recommend to any listener." EARTASTE.COM (Apr 29, 2008) "All the musicians add depth to this music, but the interplay between Novi and Jim on several tracks is breathtaking. Shoutouts for La Selva Negra, Rumba Arabe, Eye of the Sun Pt 2, and A Gypsy's Kiss." MISH MASH Music Review (May 3, 2008) "His sound is passionate and expressive, always gripping and intricate." PASADENA WEEKLY (May 7, 2008) "Stubblefield ably melds myriad sonic influences, sweet tone and spiraling guitar patterns that reflect his tastes and travels over the past decade — fusion in the truest sense of the term." - Bliss INTERVIEWS OF RECORDING ARTISTS (May 20, 2008) "This collection of music, shows one key aspect in every song. Passion. This is music created within the heart and brought forth through the hands of this fine player, JIM STUBBLEFIELD, and the musicians in his band. With his guitar, he can ignite the flame of his passion. Full of beauty and grace, one should take the time to embrace this music of guitar influenced sounds." - Michael Capozzoli Jr. SOUTHWEST BLEND MAGAZINE (Jun 3, 2008) "Jim Stubblefield’s latest solo album ‘Guitarra Exotica’ is a delectable feast for all of your senses that stirs with passion, evokes mysticism, and kindles the human spirit." - Lisa D. Smith ROCKNETWEBZINE.COM (Jun 20, 2008) "Okay, why am I reviewing a flamenco guitarist on a rock and metal webzine? Well, because sometimes I come across stuff that is beautiful, inspiring, and strikes a chord with me. This is your ticket to world travel on a sonic level. Enjoy the trip. " FOLK WORKS ONLINE (Aug 6, 2008) "What makes Stubblefield stand out is the way he melds his excellent guitar skills (he's a GIT grad) with a solid feel for flamenco passions and modalities, and an LA urbanite's spot on sense of sound and pacing in this recording. This album is a great example of how genres evolve, merge, and inform each other. Stubblefield's amalgam of flamenco sounds and stylings, with pop pacing and support, is a winner. Definitely worth checking it out." - Barry Smiler