Customer Reviews
Is this meant for a bank? Elevator ride? Suicide Club? 
2008-01-11
I am all for breaking from tradition, as it simply creates new tradition, hence the solo flamenco guitarist via Ramon Montoya, Sabicas, Mario Escudero and Paco de Lucia.
That being said, this album is pure trash. Stray from a tradition, fine, but what about the musicality? For instance, the music just goes round and round and round, without any interesting changes, nothing to touch your soul. Not even a tickle. The pieces chosen are radically stripped down and have become shadows of their former selves. To add further insult, you must endure the most funny drum machine accompanying rhythms, which sound as bad as those on my late 80's keyboard.
All of this is assembled to deface Ernesto Lecuona's beloved Malagueña, rearranging it in such an expressionless style, hollowed of most of its beautiful melody and rendering it into nothing more than a revolving caricature of its most recognized refrain.
This album is great for those who haven't yet decided, "suicide, yes or no," and need that extra push.
NO SAMPLE PLAY 2006-04-30
HATE TO BUY A CAT IN A BAG. THIS CD HAS NO SAMPLE PLAY. WON'T BUY IT.
Unconstructive criticism is alive and well in America... 
2005-10-29
I enjoy Esteban's products in large measure because his story is interesting. While surely not the best guitar virtuoso in the world, I sure wish I was as 'lousy' a player as some suggest. His guitar packages are really quite decently valued starters and his lesson DVD's are well done. A half-million at last count, something I have not noted from any other virtuoso. I shudder to think what a 'live' lesson from a virtuoso would cost!! In light of a debilitating accident, I cannot help but admire what he has accomplished. His desire to put guitars instead of guns in the hands of kids cannot be faulted and I truly hope he has gotten 'well' from his efforts. I will continue to put any CD he produces into my player and try to learn from him while enjoying his talent.
This CD makes my Roses Die! 2004-12-21
STOP! Hey before you buy this cd, let me tell you something: This is not a Spanish Guitar player, not even a Spanish like one. This guy is just a begginer-like player, he's harmonically and technicaly handicapped. Somebody has to stop this guy. Tell him the truth: You can't play! I don't know what did he do to get his contract, but when i heard this cd, this came to me: He's the William Hung of the Guitar, that maybe learned to play with the AKORDES tuition software. Not even him would buy this cd! I repeat, DO NOT BUY THIS TRASH! PS: if you dont know who william hung is, visit his site: http://www.williamhung.net .
Esteban is one of the best 
2004-08-29
I have read the other reviews. All I can say is that they sound like Esteban Wannabe's who just don't have the fortitude
to stick with it so they can get there. Segovia acknowleged Esteban because Esteban is truly brilliant on the guitar. His technique is flawless. This CD is fabulous and I highly recommend it. It is well worth the money.
Great potential but in the end dissapointing 
2004-07-15
Flamenco y Rosas is a collection of Flamenco Guitar solos combined with the best loved Latin and Spanish songs. Esteban's deep love of Spanish guitar can be felt in each rendition of this beautiful sensitive heartfelt recording. Esteban's artistry incorporates a range from sof arpeggios to pulsating rhythms. This is the artistry of a master of the guitar in it's purest form. The album's Latin and Spanish selections have a full five piece band.
Review from a flamenco guitarist 2003-12-18
I see a few flamencos here giving these CD's a one star rating.
I know flamenco and not just the Madrid tourist flamenco. Give the man a break. No way could a college student wannabe guitarist play like this, as one reviewer states.
Esteban's technique is good, maybe not the absolute best in the flamenco world, but then he doesn't play "flamenco puro". This album is more "Spanish Guitar" than real flamenco, and I believe this is what upsets some of his critics.
What Esteban is doing is making a niche for himself playing Spanish folk rhythms with a little flamenco thrown in. It works out fine. You can't please everyone, there are some people who hate guitarits who use a pic (not that Esteban does) and so they dish great guitarists like Jesse Cook.
Everyone has a theory. 99% of guitarists would die to play like Esteban. I recently watched a video of Juan Serrano, a well respected flamenco guitarist, and while their techniques were approximately equal, Esteban seems more relaxed and I suspect his music will have wider appeal. Yes, he does take liberties with compas or perfect flamenco rhythm. But so did the great gypsy guitarist, Diego del Gastor.
This is not gypsy flamenco, it is not the virtuoso flamenco of Sabicas, but it is rather nice for easy listening, to set a Spanish mood, and generally very well done. Hard to beat these CDs for a candlelit evening.
The guy dresses up like Zorro 2003-02-06
I would have to agree with the other 1 star reviewer. Being a musician myself this Esteban really seems awful. I have seen the infomercial....i don't even think he is Spanish...........The guy is a halloween costume at best..Save the $ And buy a Segovia CD.
One mic show. 
2002-06-04
Though he seems to play effortless guitar,he and his music was more captivating on the infomercial on HSN. Personally i liked the blend of his playing with the trumpet player accenting it. However on this cd set- there is TOO much of esteban and all of the backgroung instruments/music is cranked way down(cut their nads off)-even over the trumpet solos where Esteban plays a simple rythm. Whoever did the final mix and mastering of the c.d. didn't get it right.
I think true music fans would appreciate a more full arrangement
with sound levels equal, i know they are spotlighting the Artist but support music is just as important! instead ,its a one microphone show........
but thats my opinion. kudos to the trumpeter.
Estaben is a good self promoter, but thats all 2002-04-18
Estaben constantly uses the Segovia name to promote himself. This album like his others do not use any of the Segovia repertoire. This cd (like most of Estaben's) is on a second year classical guitar level. The flamenco is also as bad. The bulerias and solearies are off compass in several places and completly lack any duende. Leaving it flat and lifeless. If you want to hear a real Segovia protege I would suggest listening to John (guitarist) Williams. For traditional flamenco there is Sabicas 'Flamenco Puro' For modern flamenco, Paco deLucia.s 'Siroco'. Don,t waste your money on Flamenco y' Rosas. Its a real stool softener.
