Rating:
Genre:
World
Release Date: 07/17/2007
Flamenco is completely associated with Spain, the musical heart of the country, and this excellent compilation shows some of the younger -- and older -- performers for whom
flamenco and its transcendent spirit of duende are a way of life. There's a wonderful rawness about the music, stripped to the bone of voice, guitar, and handclap percussion. There's also a wonderful variety here, from the moody, atmospheric guitar work of
Gerardo Nuñez on
"Sahara" to the very funky and full
"Jose Monge Cruz," a tribute to the great
El Camarón (who turns up on the following track) by
Diego Carrasco.
Ojos de Brujo bring modern production and a touch of
hip-hop styling to
flamenco without losing the spirit of the music, and young gun
Estrella Morente (daughter of the great
Enrique Morente, who also appears on the album) struts her stuff in a duet with
Potito. As a compilation that showcases the versatility of the
flamenco form, this is superb, with intelligent, thorough notes. The last couple of tracks bring in a
Latin connection, toward Cuba with
Son de la Frontera and, finally, a touch of Mexico from
Las Corraleras de Lebrija.
~Chris Nickson, All Music Guide