Prior to the release of this CD, Mexican flutist/pianist Roberto Morales Manzanares was virtually unknown in North America. He met Japan-born violinist
Mari Kimura when she played at Callejón del Ruido, a new music festival Manzanares organized in Guanajuato, Mexico. After playing together, they decided to record Leyendas in May 1999. The album was released on Disques Victo in conjunction with duo performing at the Festival International de Musique Actuelle de Victoriaville.
Kimura is a delicate, sensible violinist, although she can get screechy at times, but the star here is Manzanares. He goes from piano to harp to flute with remarkable ease. Very emotive as an improviser, he taps into the listener's soul, moving it with a strangely tonal/atonal approach. A competent pianist, he shines best on flute ("Callejon del Infierno") and harp ("La Princesa Encantada"). The improvisations remain concise and dense, a format allowing Manzanares to change instruments often. A highly poetical encounter, Leyendas may have been one of the best revelations of 2000. ~ François Couture