Beginning with the opening track "Winter Wonderland, " you immediately know that the usual xmas songs will be anything but. These two San Antonio, Texas musicians lend their collective talents to create a memorabe xmas album that stiches Latin rhythms, jazz and a sort of Tex-Mex bluegrass for a nice Americana xmas quilt. The musicians improvise at the right times, only after you have recognized the melody's then taking you to new dimensions and back. Other songs are straight ahead true to the original melodies never straying . The mandolin playing on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Xmas" is right on track with the original melody and sounds perfect. Although the guitar playing is compelling work I found the mandolin to give a different texture that creates a uniquesound. The Irving Berlin penned xmas classic "White Christmas" is pretty much straight ahead jazz and while it is a modern interpretation it could easily pass for one from a deifferent bygone decade. When the arrangements are by Lara & Reyes, like on "God Rest Ye Merrry Gentlemen," the results are nothing less than superb. The integration of mandolin and flamenco guitar is an absolute knockout. The lingering extended notes by the mandolin on "Silent Night" are a thing of beauty that touches you with the spirit of the season; it is very ,very beautiful. There are plenty of songs here for the duo to show their skills ,variety of styles and technique. Many composers and musicians have recored trhese songs so you tend hear these other versions simultaneosly through the accostic versions. One such song is the Mel Torme tune, probably made most famous by Nat King Cole, "The Christmas Song." There are a few "contemporary " xmas songs like Jose Feliciano's bright and cheerful "Feliz Navidad" that keeps true to the original for the most part. If you have a multiple disc player this is good disc to throw in the musical rotation. Put your player on random, catch a few tunes in no particular order and mix it up a bit for a little variety while you enjoy your fireplace and a nip of eggnog. This disc has a little of everything but the most traditional of songs like "O come All Ye Faithful" seem to sound the best. If you want something a little different yet traditonal than this disc may be for you. I cannot overemphasize the beauty of the mandolin blending in harmony with the flamenco guitar for a most unusual yet complimentary sound. This is an album of music that will bring joy to your soul and a smile to your face.

Great record.
Creates the best atmosphere for the holiday season.

While I had never heard of this album or the artists, I happened upon it on a jazz search at amazon. I am always looking for high-quality guitar albums, and something about playing the standards for the Holidays seems to shed light on whether a "musician" can or can't play or understand how to keep the sound of the original without dousing it with their own playing.
Lara & Reyes' interpretation of the tracks is astounding, and you feel like they are in your living room playing near the Christmas tree.
Pop this CD in and let it run throughout the house; everyone will enjoy it, from your young daughter who only knows the words to the chorus to your teenager who is dabbling with guitar who will appreciate the technical aspects, to mom and dad who can dig the fact that everyone enjoys it for their own reasons.

This is everything a Christmas album should be - pure, simple, beautiful music. Lots of great renditions of holiday classics - and they all positively shimmer with great guitar playing. Don't let the Editor's Review fool you - this isn't just for Spanish/Flamenco music lovers.

Before I go into this review, just want to go on record..."these two young musicians are outstanding, awesome, simply superb"...words can't describe the feeling you have while listening to this album...covering the "Holiday Season" with 18 selections...from Christmas Carols directly to your favorite popular Christmas song.

Sergio Lara & Joe Reyes give of themselves, for the Holiday spirit shines brightly from their hearts...Lara with his flamenco guitar & mandolin as Reyes plays the flamenco & acoustic guitar, spotlighting some sparkling arrangements, giving us that warm glow that comes around every year at this time.

Hats off to Higher Octave for releasing a CD that will make your "Holiday Season" a memorable one, invite your family and friends as you listen to "Navidad" this year, featuring LARA & REYES...plug in the Christmas tree, turn the lights down, sit back and ENJOY!

Total Time: 43:42 on 18 Tracks ~ Higher Octave HOMCD-49488 ~ (2000)