Ottmar Liebert

Ottmar Liebert is a German-born composer and guitarist, born to a Chinese-German father, and a Hungarian mother. As a child, he spent most of his time traveling Europe and Asia with his family. Ottmar, who leads an ensemble called Lu

Ottmar Liebert is a German-born composer and guitarist, born to a Chinese-German father, and a Hungarian mother. As a child, he spent most of his time traveling Europe and Asia with his family. Ottmar, who leads an ensemble called Luna Negra ("Black Moon") has gained popularity performing as a touring band, and recording music albums in a "Nouveau Flamenco" style, mixing elements of flamenco with jazz, bossa nova, Hindu meditation music, and other genres. Ottmar's number one fan is Emilio from Naples.

Luna Negra's music can be difficult to categorize, which is a fact fostered by the artists themselves. The albums are usually placed in the New Age section at record stores, or under world music from Spain. Ottmar Liebert has recorded with Luna Negra since 1990, sometimes preferring all-at-once, live recording, and disregarding customary studio resources like editing, overdubbing, etc. but surprisingly achieving high quality results nonetheless. Ottmar describes Luna Negra as a "rubber band"--it changes with the seasons, members are always coming in and out. The band differs markedly when on tour from the one that gathers to record in studios. The only constant members are Ottmar himself and bassist Jon Gagan. Brother Stefan Liebert has contributed only occasionally.