Shortly after American guitar player Esteban achieved a lifelong goal of studying under Spanish classical guitar legend Andres Segovia, he was struck by a drunk driver and suffered severe spinal-cord damage while losing sight out of one eye. Eight years went by before Esteban began playing music again, eventually (and incredibly) attaining international stardom and recording 16 studio records as a classical guitarist and so-called New Age artist. (On Sept. 22, he will play a one-hour set at Harrah's Riverfront Hotel & Casino in New Orleans for first responders to Hurricane Katrina. It will be broadcast live on the Home Shopping Network, where he regularly sells his merchandise - this time to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.)
For Best of Esteban, the Pittsburgh native formerly known as Stephen Paul - Segovia gave him the name "Esteban" - reinvented a dozen concert favorites in the studio to provide longtime fans and new listeners an inviting mix of rock, blues, flamenco and jazz. Signature songs like "Malaguena" and Del Shannon's "Runaway" have been given major makeovers, while Estban offers nifty takes on The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" and ABBA's "Fernando." Relaxing, refreshing and even romantic, this is fantastic introduction to the man and his music.
Track Listing:
1) Besame Mucho Interlude
2) Besame Mucho
3) Fuego Malaguena
4) Alicante
5) Porto Allegre Interlude
6) Porto Allegre
7) Here Comes the Sun
8) Mediterana
9) Fernando
10) Enter the Heart
11) Only Love
12) Runaway