By Leila Cobo
MIAMI (Billboard) - Hector Montaner bears an uncanny physical and sonic resemblance to his father, noted songwriter/balladeer Ricardo Montaner.
But his sophomore album, "Apariencias," due June 5 on Venemusic, bears his own distinct brand of music.
"It's a natural quest -- trying to mark a difference at a musical and lyrical level," says Montaner, whose famous father made his name as a pop star in 1980s Venezuela. "lf I sing a classic ballad, it is too Ricardo Montaner. I had to find a way to present my ballads in a different manner."
As such, "Apariencias" is an acoustic-oriented album with pared-down production, plenty of guitars and percussion, and a distinctly earthy singer-songwriter sound. It's a departure from the more classic feel of Montaner's first disc, "Amor del Bueno," released in 2004.
Most of the new songs were written or co-written by Montaner, and the lyrics have a colloquial feel compared with the more romantic "Amor del Bueno."
At the time of his recording debut, Montaner, then 23 years old, was very much his father's protege. The album not only counted Ricardo as executive producer, but also as the author of three tracks.
The third child of Ricardo Montaner, the singer-songwriter often performed with his dad as a kid. He's the second child in the close-knit family to embark on a musical career. His older brother, Alejandro, released one album on Sony Discos in 2002, then settled on a different musical route. He is now Hector's manager, but also continues writing and penned several songs with his brother, including the first single, "Apariencias."
Montaner says he's "not ashamed" of his family ties, noting that he will likely tour with his father this summer. "The little I've done in my career so far, if I've done it well, it is thanks to my father's advice."
Reuters/Billboard