| Frank Rubolino writes in the liner notes, "For this venture, James chose to capture in music the essence of the bullfight in all its radiant glory. The bullfight is the life and breath of Spain. It has a tradition dating back several thousand years when Greek and Roman influences transformed religious sacrifice into a spectacular for the people. It is passionately endorsed by that country’s populace. The sport is majestic, regal, and a skilled work of choreographed artistry. In keeping with those qualities, James has generated a stunning work of musical art depicting the power, emotions, and elation emerging from the contest."
If you listen closely, you can almost hear the inner struggle between the characters. James says, "In this story, the matador comes to realize that this bullfight was more than just 'man conquering beast'. As they each try to anticipate and outwit the other, it is revealed to the matador that their consciousness’ are entwined. In the finale, the matador is hailed as the hero: he realizes, however, that it is the relentless and crafty Toro Bravo facing death so courageously who is the true hero. This theme was conceived while living in Spanish Harlem just prior to this recording. The making of this album came together like a seamless dream. In that moment, we lived it ...the first time that we played together as a trio. The sparks were flying. You could almost smell the dirt ...every track made in one take." |