Hyland Thomas

Hyland Thomas: Moonlight Fiesta

by Dave Hughes
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 ...