Violinist
Christian Howes moves away from the soulful blues and funky jazz of his 2010 album, Out of the Blue, and delves deep into flamenco and Latin rhythms on 2013's
Southern Exposure. Featuring accordionist
Richard Galliano, as well as pianist
Josh Nelson, bassist
Scott Colley, and drummer
Lewis Nash,
Southern Exposure is fluid, passionate set of songs that showcase both
Howes' and
Galliano's affinity toward mixing swinging jazz with Argentinian tango, languid ballads, and a few more progressive and adventurous cuts, like their take on
Ray Bryant's fiery "Cubano Chant." Besides his and
Galliano's stellar original compositions,
Howes also includes songs by
Astor Piazzolla and
Paco de Lucía. ~ Matt Collar