"José Luis Valle", known as "Chuscales", crunches his way through an eleven track CD of candent, caressing compositions. An astounding performer, Chuscales ("Chusco" for short) is a master of masters in the flamenco style. Flawless execution and controlled strength are his hallmarks, and this CD is merely an extension of the maturity and grace he brings to his music. Even his name "Chusco" in Caló, the Gitano language, is the word for the crunchy end of a loaf of French bread. The chusco is the preferred part of the bread by Gitanos, and the word also refers to a musician who is a "guitar-cruncher"; extremely substantial - in other words, the best.

An artist who is pushing the edge of the flamenco tradition, Chusco blends time honored flamenco puro with modern nouveau flamenco. The title cut "Encuentros del Alma (Soul Encounters)" is a pensive piece, which draws on nouveau styling to enhance the song of the guitar, taking the listener deep into the inner feelings of the artist. Almost surreal in expression one moment, and then comforting and familiar the next, Chusco entrances his listeners with his creativity and command.

The exquisite solo strains in the last cut "Between Roses and Jasmine" is a display of acoustic refinement as warm and tender as the nouveau flamenco lilt of "Forever in My Heart". Chusco's depth and range ensnare. His music is cool and warm; dark and bright; subtle and flourishing; pure and seductive. "Encuentros del Alma" reveals Chuscales to aficionados as a master of innovative acoustic virtuosity as well as an icon of traditional Flamenco.