Hyland Thomas: Moonlight Fiesta

Dave Hughes

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Published: April 1, 1999

Guitarist Hyland Thomas's Moonlight Fiesta is an all-original program of carefree, uplifting instrumentals. In addition to the commonplace guitar-sax frontline, Bob Hennessy adds harmonica which helps set this music apart from the contemporary pack. There's more percussion than usual, too, which adds a light latin touch and provides a much more pleasant rhythmic kick than drum loops. There's nothing terribly adventurous here, but it's pleasant, engaging, competently done, and free from many of the cliches that dog many of today's glossy over-produced offerings.

Track Listing:
Gildersleeve Island
Cocoa Beach
Ocean City
Sunday at Otis
White Sands
Moonlight Fiesta
A Mix of Sun and Clouds
Cantina Loco

Personnel:
Hyland Thomas - guitar and percussion
Bob Hennessy - chromatic harmonica and percussion
Bruce McGrath - saxophones and flute
Dave Stoltz - bass
Joe Grieco or Bill Mocarsky - keyboards
John Pel - percussion

Record Label: Freedom Media
Style: Contemporary/Smooth