2024 World Tour #9 - Spain | Flamenco
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The Montreux Years (Live)
PACO DE LUCIA
Released 24 February 2023
Montreux Sounds
*****
Paco de Lucia may have passed away in 2016, at age 66, but his spirit still informs the musical form of Flamenco and the frisson that arose from his playing will never be forgotten by those of us who saw him play in person. Those savvy music curators at Montreux have compiled the best of two of those 1984 and 2012 live performances and put out “Paco de Lucia: The Montreux Years.”
Guitarist, composer, and producer Paco de Lucia once said, “You must understand that a Gypsy’s life is a life of anarchy. That is a reason why the way of flamenco music is a way without discipline, as you know it. We don’t try to organize things with our minds, we don’t go to school to find out. We just live… music is everywhere in our lives.”
Considered to be one of the finest flamenco guitarists, Paco de Lucia wasn’t one to rein in that Gypsy anarchy and rest on his musical prowess. Investing in that restless spirit, he would go on to seek out new musical connections, gracefully lending his own flamenco mastery to classical and jazz compositions. Logically, if music was found to be everywhere in the Gypsy’s life, it certainly meant that flamenco could go everywhere along with him. And, it did.
It should come as no surprise that he also said, “I have never lost my roots in my music, because I would lose myself. What I have tried to do is have a hand holding onto tradition and the other scratching, digging in other places trying to find new things I can bring into flamenco.”
Finding kindred spirits in the jazz world, Paco de Lucia ignored the complaints from flamenco traditionalists and hooked up with jazz greats like Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell and Al DiMeola. It would come as no surprise that he found like-minded musical explorers and a collaborative space at Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival. Paco de Lucia would return to Montreux several times between 1984 and 2012.
Read more ... World Music Central
Spain Forever Again.jpg
MICHEL CAMILO, TOMATITO
Released 25 April 2024
Universal Music Spain
*****
Michel Camilo and Tomatito are two extraordinary musicians who have forged a deep musical connection through their collaboration. Their music transcends genre boundaries, blending jazz, flamenco, and Latin influences to create a unique and exhilarating musical experience that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Michel Camilo is a Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer from the Dominican Republic. He is celebrated for his virtuosic piano playing, which fuses elements of jazz, classical music, and Latin rhythms. He draws inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, including Afro-Caribbean rhythms like merengue and Dominican folk music, which infuse his compositions with a unique and vibrant energy.
Tomatito, whose real name is José Fernández Torres, is a renowned flamenco guitarist from Spain who has collaborated with some of the greatest flamenco artists, including Camarón de la Isla, Paco de Lucía, and Enrique Morente.
Camilo and Tomatito first collaborated in the early 2000s, combining their respective talents to create a series of electrifying performances and recordings including Spain [2000], Spain Again [2006] and Spain Forever [2016], both of which feature innovative arrangements of traditional flamenco and Latin jazz standards. Their performances together are marked by their improvisational interplay, technical brilliance, and infectious energy, captivating audiences around the world.
Read more ... AllMusic
Oviedo, San Mateo 1991
CAMARON DE LA ISLA, TOMATITO
Released 28 November 2024
Universal Music Spain
*****
This is an extraordinary, historic recording of two of the greats of Flamenco, released with cover art that reflects the influence of the Moors and Sephardic Jews on Andalusian culture - and a reminder in dark times, of the beauty and transformative power of unity rather than division.
Well, gentlemen, good evening. I'm going to start by singing a little bit of Alegria and then you can ask me for whatever you want, thank you."
With these salty words he started Camarón de la Isla his first concert in the city of Oviedo. One of the last he gave before he died. With his health already undermined by illness but strong as a rock, the King of the Gypsies performed before an audience excited to finally see him debut in Asturias, on September 13, 1991 in the Plaza de Toros de Buenavista on the occasion of the San Mateo festivities.
There was uncertainty in the air about the form of the singer of singers, but after his greeting to the fans and a couple of clearings of the throat, the magic happened. The voice of Jose Monk Cross, the guitar of Tomatito, a microphone for each one and the cheers of the audience. Without further accompaniment, without effects, without distractions. A concert for history that, by chance, was recorded on a digital tape (one of the very first of its time) that has remained stored for more than thirty years in the archives of the sound technician hired for the evening.
Read more ... Expo Flamingo
Andenes del Tiempo
(Platforms of Time)
VICENTE AMGO
Released 12 April 2024
Ritmo Amigo
*****
To speak of Vicente Amigo is to speak of one of the greatest musical geniuses of the present. Without him, just like figures such as Paco de Lucia or Tomatito, the flamenco we hear today would not be the same. His contribution to the world of guitar and music in general is simply monumental; with his own style and an unprecedented personality that makes the listener identify his guitar after just hearing a few notes.
The long-awaited new album by maestro Vicente Amigo, entitled «Andenes del Tiempo», is here (his first album of new material since 2017's "Memoria de los Sentidos (Memorial to the Senses)"
As it was once the case with the maestro Paco de Lucia, each new album by Vicente is a reason for celebration for the world of flamenco and music in general, provoking that beautiful feeling of surprise and excitement when listening to it for the first time and with that uncertainty of "let's see what the maestro surprises us with this time..."
This is an album with a fresh but deeply flamenco language that showcases a wide variety of styles. In this new work we find Bulerías, Soleá, Tanguillos de Cádiz and a pasodoble dedicated to the maestro José Tomás, with whom he shares a deep admiration and personal friendship. It also has two rumbas, each with its own musical nuance, in which internationally renowned artists collaborate, such as Marcus Miller, who contributes harmonic details typical of Brazilian music, and Dave Weckl and Tom Kennedy, who add subtle jazz influences. In addition, and as usual, a beautiful bolero is included. Finally, the song that gives the album its name, “Andenes del tiempo”, stands out for its uniqueness, evoking a beautiful and delicate soundscape, almost cinematic, thanks to its composition and the wide range of timbres used.
Read more ... Solera Flamenca
Historias de un Flamenco
(Stories of a Flamenco)
ANTONIO REY
Released 26 April 2023
El Cerrito Records / ONErpm
*****
Dive into the beating heart of flamenco with Antonio Rey’s new album, “Historias de un Flamenco.” With every chord, Rey takes you on an emotional journey through the depths of the genre, where each note tells a unique and passionate story.
“Historias de un Flamenco” is an intimate exploration of the cultural richness and boundless passion that defines flamenco. From melancholic melodies that evoke nostalgia to frenetic rhythms that make the heart beat, this album captures the very essence of the flamenco tradition, while boldly venturing into new sonic territories.
With his unparalleled mastery on the guitar, Antonio Rey weaves a tapestry of captivating sounds that bring each song to life. Accompanied by a cast of exceptional musicians, each track is a sensorial experience that immerses you in the very essence of flamenco.
“Historias de un Flamenco” is not just an album, it is a testament to Antonio Rey’s passion and commitment to the art of flamenco. Prepare to be carried away by the emotion and beauty of this unforgettable musical journey.
Read more ... Antonio Rey
Flamenco Sin Fronteras
(Flamenco Without Borders)
ANTONIO REY
Released 22 May 2020
Antonio Rey
*****
On «Flamenco sin fronteras», his fifth album, the guitarist rides between the purest and most traditional flamenco and contemporary musical terrain, creating a wide range of harmonies and melodies capable of captivating a very diverse audience.
Antonio Rey is one of the most representative figures of flamenco guitar today. After a long career as a regular guitarist for great figures of flamenco, both in song and dance (Farruquito, Antonio Canales, La Tana, Manuela Carrasco, Rafael Amargo… among many others), his guitar now on its own merits, takes center stage and shows us the true artist, a true virtuoso of the instrument endowed with a musical maturity and a unique capacity for expression.
Read more ... Solera Flamanca
Por Amor Al Cante
(For the Love of Singing)
ISRAEL FERNANDEZ, ANTONIO "EL RELOJERO"
Released 19 September 2024
Universal Music Spain
*****
What we find in this new album by Israel Fernández together with the veteran guitarist Antonio el Relojero (who started playing at the age of 12 and is twice Israel's age) are five inspiring songs that look you in the eye and mark the rhythm of your heartbeat , forged in the warmth of the fans, in the encounter they had with them during a tour of different emblematic clubs on the peninsula.
In flamenco art, being a “good fan” is essential, since, to master the songs and transmit them with a feeling that goes through the listener, it is not enough to have a good voice, in addition, one must want and know how to listen, investigate and nourish oneself insatiably from the roots of the genre. Israel Fernández has all these elements: the bronze metal of the chosen ones in the throat and an encyclopedic and passionate mastery of cante jondo, with the added bonus of having and transmitting at every step an overwhelming personality, embracing his contemporaneity at all times. Accompanied only by the composure and precision of Antonio el Relojero's seasoned guitar, he seems to take that much-needed and well-understood "step back" (to continue flying forward),
It is true that Israel (like the great Enrique Morente), no matter how many steps he takes into the future, never leaves purity behind, because, as Camarón said, he carries flamenco inside, whatever he does; and in this work, "Por amor al cante", he offers us a recital of classical style on all four sides, especially delving into and showing the roots in a more raw way.
Five calm songs with a live sound, warm and enveloping, with interpretations of a mastery, temperance and feeling (both contained and overflowing) that very few can achieve.
Read more ... Mondo Sonoro
Pura Sangre
(Thoroughbred)
ISRAEL FERNANDEZ
Released 25 May 2023
Universal Music Spain
*****
With that honesty and simplicity that is his trademark, he shows us his memories: his upbringing and life lessons, his tastes and disappointments, together with his family, close to nature, knowing how to listen to the old songs, the silences and always open to exploring new paths; with his gypsy blood as his flag and giving voice to those who do not have one, pointing out the injustices that surround us.
Israel Fernández won us over with his previous album, the outstanding “Amor” (2020), in which he not only established himself as a beacon and voice to beat in flamenco, combining mastery of tradition and his own sensitivity, but he also made the leap as the complete composer of lyrics of high poetic quality and deep wisdom - qualities within the reach of very few. He was accompanied by the great guitarist Diego del Morao, starting a friendship and artistic partnership that seems to have an overwhelming present and future, at the level of the most iconic.
In the nine new songs of "Pura Sangre" he doubles his sincerity and shows us, without any restrictions, his purest roots, letting his privileged throat chisel each one of the flamenco styles he goes through, with the naturalness and courage of his breathing and feeling.
The production of the album and the careful arrangements are another of the outstanding and brilliant aspects of this new masterpiece, with Israel in charge of all the songs, Diego in more than half of the pieces, and electronic musician, producer and mixer Pinol injecting an extra touch of modernity and electronic measure in four compositions.
Amor
(Love)
ISRAEL FERNANDEZ & DIEGO DEL MORAO
Released 24 September 2020
Universal Music Spain
*****
Overall, Amor is a beautiful project that combines eminently talented artists’ passion to create a cohesive musical journey. That’s the short of it!
Israel Fernández is a flamenco vocalist that is causing a stir in the community with his powerful voice and maturity at such a young age. After the tribute to La Niña de los Peines in his 2018 album, Universo Pastora Fernández has shown himself to be one of the most charismatic and influential figures of the genre.
Diego del Morao is a Spanish flamenco guitarist and the son of the late Moraíto Chico II. Morao attended El Carbonero’s school and has recorded live albums such as Confí de fuá, No hay quinto malo, and La rosa blanca. He has performed with the likes of José Mercé and Luis Carrasco.
Amor is a project that finds Fernández expanding past the sounds heard in Universo Pastora. Fernández does not limit himself to recreating a specific work, but chooses melodies that best defines his flamenco present, weaving the songs with lyrics of his authorship, but always based on an in-depth knowledge of the repertoire. Morao’s and Fernández’s passions and strengths are complementary, both have stunning techniques rich in the flamenco tradition, and together they soar
Read more ... Staccatofy
Azabache (Jet Black)
KIKI MORENTE
Released 17 October 2024
Universal Music Spain
*****
Sensitive, profound, romantic, festive and tremendously moving, this album “Azabache” contains a strong narrative charge and in which the passion of the person who elaborates each detail with a purpose can be perceived.
"Azabache” is a tribute to singing and roots, an intimate, pure, personal work, an invitation to Kiki’s home in which, in addition, his family is the absolute influence.
From the references to his father Enrique to the lyrics, composed or influenced by his mother Aurora Carbonell, passing through the voices of her sisters Soleá and Estrella or the production of Enrique Heredia “El Negri”, Kiki Morente offers us a bridge that goes from the personal to the collective and from tradition to the contemporary.
This is something that we can clearly identify in the constant fusion of the past with the present, since, although tradition is the main protagonist, contemporary elements subtly envelop the album to rekindle the embers of the purest flamenco. “Azabache” is without a doubt Kiki’s most personal and, therefore, most courageous work to date.
Read more ... Universal Music Online
Leo
ESTRELLA MORENTE
Released 21 December 2023
Concert Music Entertainment
*****
Leo's aesthetic is an allegory of the most animal nature that inspired the artist when creating this new work, which, in her own words, she named thus because "Not only is it the animal I identify with and because my father, the great Enrique Morente, is called "the Lion King of flamenco", it is also because he is Leo by nature, since he was conceived in the month of August."
LEO is the new album by Estrella Morente is a collection of ten songs from different genres - ranging from tango to fandango and from Huelva through a ranchera.
"Dicen", the first single from the album is a song full of the purest flamenco with a hint of the Andalusian, which works as a letter of introduction to the unique character of this work in which she combines roots and popular legacy with innovative rhythms.
Leo was produced by Antonio Carbonell, whom the singer thanks for his special dedication to this work, which she lovingly defines as “the fruit of many experiences, some real and others imagined.”
Read more ... Que
Aurora Y Enrique
SOLEA MORENTE
Released 19 November 2021
Elefant Records
*****
After ... an album as powerful as 2020'S “Lo Que Te Falta”, Soleá now brings us an intimate album, with references to shoegaze and dreampop, echoes of Mazzy Star and Beach House, and to top things off, for the first time, she has written the lyrics and music of each and every song herself. This is HER album.
It is hard to reinvent yourself again and again. As time passes, it is more and more complicated to satisfy the expectations that have been set. That’s why at a certain point, an artist, the kind with a capital A, needs to forge their own path.
Because Soleá Morente has made an immense album. She already had a reputation for being a chameleon, and now she has taken a turn in a new direction that nobody was expecting. Towards unstable ground, dangerous for a singer of her caste and style. And she did it to talk about what she carries inside her, what we all wanted to know: what it’s like to grow up in a house with Aurora Carbonell and Enrique Morente.
Nobody could imagine that Soleá would have sought out a way to express her private thoughts, her deepest confessions, with such sounds. But here it is. This is the stuff legends are made of, going off the beaten path.
Read more ... Bandcamp
Estrella & Rafael
ESTRELLA MORENTE & RAFAEL RIQUENI
Released 15 November 2023
Universal Music Spain
*****
The album was conceived in a Seville prison, where Riqueni was serving a short sentence for an offence committed when suffering from a psychiatric disorder. A series of encounters between singer and guitarist led to a recital for fellow prisoners, and grew into an album about the healing power of music.
The deep vocals of the living cante jondo tradition, the primal source of flamenco are on show here in a grand performance by singer Estrella Morente and guitarist Rafael Riqueni.
Morente is the daughter of legendary vocalist and flamenco rebel Enrique Morente, who grew up in Albaicín, Granada’s Moorish quarter.
Riqueni is one of the most nuanced guitarists since Paco de Lucía, with the classic, sparkling elegance of his hometown of Seville in his strings.
‘Riqueni is not a guitarist, he is the guitar,’ wrote the Spanish press when he staged his return after a long absence.
Two flamenco icons united in an intimate recital and tribute to their heroes, two unforgettable artists of the last century: Pastora Pavón, ‘La Niña de los Peines’ and ‘guitar giant’ Niño Ricardo. And not least to Enrique Morente himself, who was once in a golden duo with Riqueni, and whose innovative spirit shapes flamenco art to this day.
Read more ... Flamenco Biennale
Pepito y Paqito
PACO DE LUCIA, PEPE DE LUCIA
Released 31 May 2024
BMG Spain
****-
“Listening to Paco play on these recordings, he is himself a phenomenon, a prodigy at the age of 11 or 12. His articulation and sobriety are miraculous… Two prodigies born in the same house with such gigantic talent can only happen once every 100,000 years. Absolutely amazing!”
— John McLaughlin
Pepito y Paquito offers a glimpse into the humble and homespun beginnings of a genius who marked a turning point in flamenco guitar and reveals a series of rudimentary musical recordings of Paco de Lucía and his older brother Pepe, at ages 11 and 13 respectively. These recordings, hidden in a quince box for more than half a century, showcase the genesis of a universal figure in contemporary flamenco and highlight his brother’s significance as a singer. The extraordinary home recordings that, like a home movie, take listeners back to a time of the need in Franco’s Spain, and how the brothers, gifted with preternatural talent, allowed them to to escape poverty through art and ingenuity.
“For all the possibilities uncovered on our instrument across the generations, it isn’t surprising to hear the master Paco at age 12 already on the hunt for the next level of what might be.” Pat Metheny
“There’s a preternatural vibe, an otherworldly authenticity to these siblings that make Pepito y Paquito worth a deep dive.” Jazzwise
“A treasure trove of previously unreleased recordings.” Jazziz
“The songs have a homespun quality to them, almost like a sonic version of a home movie. Pepe’s voice is rich and passionate, oozing with folk flavor and a traditional bel canto feel. There’s an earthy allure to the material, as if you can feel the heat and tropical sweat.” Jazz Weekly
“Pepito y Paquito captures a moment in time when the two children were still discovering their inherent talents. Paco de Lucía’s guitar playing sounds distinctive and self-assured, projecting the long shadow of the legacy he would develop.“ Guitar World
Read more ... DL Media Music
Un Nuevo Universo
PEPE DE LUCIA
Released 3 December 2020
Universal Music Spain
****-
José Sánchez Gómez , better known as Pepe de Lucía, published this new album in December 2020 with a clear will of a living will, since it links the two fields through which his career has passed, that of copla and brand-new singing, but without losing sight at any time of his origin, that deep homeland that concerns us all and that, deep down, is that of childhood, our port of departure, our eternal old home like a tango but where the past dwells.
The die was cast and it has fallen into the hands of the Cádiz-born singer Pepe de Lucía (Algeciras, 1945), whose album "Un nuevo universo", his first in fourteen years, produced by Alejandro Sanz.
Brother of the legendary guitarist Paco de Lucía and father of the popular singer Malú, he has celebrated his second Latin Grammy, after the one he won in 2003 with El corazón de mi gente .
"I share with all of you, who have supported me for a long time, this second Grammy. Kisses. I love you," the award-winner commented on his Instagram profile. "My life is on that album, everything that happens to me and has happened to me is there. That is what I want to share with many people," he said during an interview.
According to his record company, in Un nuevo universo the singer and composer from Cádiz has wanted to deliver a genetic code. And he makes us all heirs to a public fortune: the wisdom of his people, his audacity and his instinct, his wild, unbridled attitude. Throughout half his life, Pepe de Lucía has emerged as one of the fundamental singers and composers in a creative territory, such as that of singing, where anonymous tradition rules.
Read more ... Expo Flamenco
Motomami
ROSALIA
Released 18 March 2022
Columbia
*****
To speak of Vicente Amigo is to speak of one of the greatest musical geniuses of the present. Without him, just like figures such as Paco de Lucia or Tomatito, the flamenco we hear today would not be the same. His contribution to the world of guitar and music in general is simply monumental; with his own style and an unprecedented personality that makes the listener identify his guitar after just hearing a few notes.
Her first record – Los Angeles – is a haunting and poignant collection of Spanish folk songs, with bare instrumentals and an obsession with mortality.
One year later she turned to making brash, aggressive pop music with a weirdo edge, dabbling in trap, reggaeton and collaborating with Bad Bunny, The Weeknd and Travis Scott.
Early singles "Soako" and "Chicken Teriyaki" seemed to signpost that mainstream success was firmly in her sights, but her long awaited third album actually transpired to be a bridge between the two.
Motomami is a distinctly hispanic record, coloured with the dembow bounce of reggaeton and lashings of flamenco guitar. It’s also distinctly accessible, with glistening production aided by Pharrell, and choruses which stick like honey. But even if it won’t fulfil some fans hopes of pure eccentricity, a great deal of Rosalía’s appeal has also been the heart of the outsider. Her second album, El Mal Querer, was recorded as her University dissertation project, and a charming pluckiness still remains, from the exuberance of her rapping to the choruses of children she surrounds herself with on "Buleria".
Her varied production tastes are just one example of the duality which is a central theme of the whole album.
Motomami is the sound of an incredible voice indulging in her pop fantasy and excelling at it, but she makes sure to remind us as often as she can that really, she can do it all.
Read more ... The Line Of Best Fit
El Madrileno
(The Madridinian)
C. TANGANA
Released 26 February 2021
SonyMusic Entertainment
*****
"El Madrileño" is Spanish for "someone from Madrid" and Álvarez proudly promotes the classics of his country.
Before trap, Spanish music was mostly indie bands who dressed like they were from the UK or the US. To be cool, you had to be un-Spanish. Now this music feels exotic and original. And that’s what’s getting people’s attention.
At the time of this album's release, the political upheaval in Catalonia, Spain was not the only revolutionary activity taking place in the country. Faced with the impact of the pandemic, Madrid-born rapper & trap artist Antón Álvarez Alfaro, best known by his moniker C. Tangana, broke Spanish recording sales and internet streaming records after partnering with a wide array of international and local Spanish-language artists for his third record "El Madrileño". Guests include Toquinho (Brazil), Gypsy Kings (France), Jose Feliciano (Puerto Rico), Jorge Drexler (Uruguay), Ed Maverick and Omar Opollo (Mexico), Andres Calamaro (Argentina), Eliades Ochoa (Cuba), Kiko Veveno. Like Rosalia's 2018 breakout album "El Mar Querer" (which won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album and a place among Rolling Stone’s Top 500 albums of all time), "El Madrileño" freely mixes traditional and modern musical forms to create a vibrant hybrid. And as indicated by the array of collaborators,"El Madrileño" doesn't draw from flamenco alone: Tangana embraces many Spanish, Latin and South American folk styles, always highly charged with emotion and high drama and supported by memorable YouTube videos. The new release would seem to be startling transformation: it might as well be considered a coming from an entirely different artist to the former rapper - until it is revealed that he co-wrote most of ex-Rosalia's "El Mar Querer".
Read more ... Antonio Rey
Cante a lo Guitar
(Sing Like A Guitar)
NINO DE ELCHE
Released 11 October 2024
Sony / Francisco Contreras Molina
*****
This third installment of the trilogy fuses genres such as flamenco, folk music, electronic music and gypsy culture.
Yet again, the artist presents a new musical proposal touching on themes of identity, resistance and cultural memory, in an authentic way.
For more than a decade, since his 2013 debut, disruptive multidisciplinary artist Niño de Elche has transformed the range of possibilities in the flamenco world with exciting collaborations.
Niño de Elche, originally a flamenco artist, native of Elche (a city in southeast Spain, known for its Vila Murada old town and the Palmeral of Elche, a vast palm grove) has built a career that challenges the conventional boundaries of flamenco. Although he is a classically trained flamenco singer, he has exchanged the traditional approach to flamenco for an almost rebellious mix of heritage and modern influences.
His approach goes beyond the strictly musical. For example, he attaches great importance to setting up interdisciplinary collaborations, such as with Angélica Liddell of Israel Galván. Together with choreographer Rocío Molina, he works on electronic soundscapes and mixed media installations. As a multidisciplinary artist, he mixes guitar playing and vocals with improvisation. Thanks to his unbridled curiosity about artistic innovation, he redefines modern flamenco music.
Cante a lo Gitano is the seventeenth album by the artist and the third installment of a trilogy that began with Memorial de Cante en mis bodas de plata con el flamenco (2021) and Flamenco. Mausoleo de celebracion, amor y muerte (2022).
Read more ... Rolling Stone Spain
Bodhiria
JUDELINE
Released 24 October 2024
Interscope Records
****-
This album marks a significant milestone in Judeline's musical journey, demonstrating her growth as an artist and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity
Lara Blanco, better known as "Judeline," has been releasing music since 2020 and has quickly emerged as a promising star in the Spanish-speaking music scene. Her debut EP, "De la luz," showcased a predominantly R&B sound with hints of flamenco, narrating a story that unfolds from sunrise to sunset. Storytelling has been a hallmark of her project, and her official debut album, Bodhiria, continues this tradition.
Bodhiria invites fans to delve into a universe where Judeline shares her personal spiritual journey. The album’s title itself may be a play on the Buddhist term “Bodhi,” meaning spiritual awakening.
The album’s sound is remarkably diverse, blending genres like R&B, flamenco, trap, electronic, and even incorporating influences from Arabic music and Venezuelan folklore. Judeline’s music blends traditional and contemporary elements, resulting in a fresh and modern sound. Electronic arrangements and cutting-edge production elevate her songs, giving them a contemporary edge. Online reviews hail Bodhiria as an immersive sensory experience, where each track plays a crucial role in the album's overarching narrative, suggesting a sequential listening experience.
Read more ... Raandoom
Sangre Sucia
(Dirty Blood)
ÁNGELES TOLEDANO
Released 26 April 2023
El Cerrito Records / ONErpm
****-
Dive into the beating heart of flamenco with Antonio Rey’s new album, “Historias de un Flamenco.” With every chord, Rey takes you on an emotional journey through the depths of the genre, where each note tells a unique and passionate story.
Ángeles Toledano‘s new album, Sangre Sucia, is a powerful addition to the contemporary flamenco scene, skillfully blending traditional Andalusian sounds with modern influences. Her emotive voice and lyrical storytelling bring fresh depth to classic flamenco, creating a dynamic listening experience that feels both rooted in heritage and groundbreaking.
This album is a testament to Toledano’s artistry, showcasing her unique ability to honor flamenco’s soulful essence while pushing the genre forward, making it an essential listen for fans of modern and traditional Spanish music alike. Today we chat with her to find out the deeper meaning of the album.
Interviewed by Tiger Sounds magazine Toledano said "This title comes from the fact that I feel more in touch with the dirty and non conventional part of my life, than to the one that usually we approach as the “clean” side of society. In this album we found a chance to talk about topics that are taboo and that for us (women) have always been hidden deep in a drawer for many generations into the past that now when trying to take them out they are dirty and full of dust.
Historically, the language of flamenco has been disrespectful or even violent towards women, so I wanted to create a space within this language that was ours and so that we could feel identified with and safe within. From that point onwards, everything else that comes out is just a consequence of this and these are things that have been hidden for a long time".
Read more ... Tiger Sounds
Tremendita Principio y Origen
ROSARIO LA TREMENDITA
Released 16 September 2022
Rosariao La Tremendita
*****
Tremenda takes the journey from today to yesterday, through a contemporary sound surface between electronics, funk, jazz and the experimental.
A singer born in the Triana neighborhood of Seville, into a family of singers and dancers, Tremenda is considered “the protagonist of the last great revolution in cante jondo.”
In addition to being a singer, Rosario La Tremendita is a composer, producer, lyricist and multi-instrumentalist. Her albums show us the natural evolution of a great connoisseur of flamenco, as well as that of a restless artist in continuous search, a child of her time, with an unstoppable desire to investigate and renew that absorbs current influences without losing its essence: flamenco .
Her music is a journey between past and present, through a contemporary sound surface that walks between electronics, funk, jazz and the experimental , to the earth and to the hands that seek it. From tradition to innovation, under a creative freedom in constant experimental search, which starts from its most multi-instrumental facet. Two worlds that are one.
Read more ... Mondosonoro
Lágrimas de un Maleante
(Tears of a Thug)
OMAR MONTES
Released 30 May 2024
Sony Music Entertainment
****-
Once more, Omar Montes shows his dedication to musical innovation by intertwining traditional flamenco with contemporary urban genres and consolidates his position as a dynamic and influential figure in the current music landscape.
Omar Montes' 2024 album, Lágrimas de un Maleante, marks a further milestone in his artistic journey, blending flamenco with urban contemporary musical forms, production techniques and influences.
Although the new album is relatively brief - its 11 tracks run to just under 29 minutes various flamenco styles are on display - tangos, rumbas, bulerías, sevillanas, and tanguillos.
Notable collaborations this time include esteemed artists like María Toledo on "La Niña del Relojero (Bulerías)," Kiki Morente on "Puñalá (Tanguillos)," and Israel Fernández on "Pacquiao (Bulerías).
If you're defined by the company you keep, Montes is now a bona fide leader of Flamenco!
Read more ... Jenesaispop
Quejios de un Maleante
(Complaints of a Thug)
OMAR MONTES
Released 24 November 2022
Sony Music Entertainment
****-
In summary, Quejíos de un Maleante stands as a bold experiment in genre fusion, reflecting Omar Montes' personal journey and artistic ambition. While it may not have revolutionized flamenco as some purists might have hoped, it undeniably contributes to the ongoing evolution of the genre by introducing it to a broader, contemporary audience.
Omar Montes' 2022 album, Quejíos de un Maleante, represents a significant evolution in his musical trajectory, blending traditional flamenco with contemporary genres such as reggaeton and drill. This fusion not only showcases Montes' versatility but also pays homage to his roots in Madrid's Pan Bendito neighborhood.
The album features collaborations with esteemed artists, including flamenco figures like Farruquito, Duquende, Estrella Morente, and Capullo de Jerez, as well as urban music artists such as C. Tangana and Farruko. These partnerships enrich the album's sound, creating a bridge between classic flamenco and modern urban music. For instance, "Metío en un Lío" combines Duquende's traditional flamenco vocals with contemporary beats, exemplifying this synthesis.
Read more ... Jenesaispop
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Dolores (EP)
LOUIS CORTES
Released 26 April 2023
Sound Blaster Records
****-
A rising star within Flamenco/pop music, with a catchy style that merges the essence of two genres in a refreshing and accessibel manner.
Just 23 years old, Luis Cortés has managed to build a style that masterfully mixes genres such as flamenco, pop, salsa and rhythm and blues.
Born in Burjassot (Valencia) and with gypsy and African roots, the young artist uses his cultural diversity as a source of inspiration to create a sound that transcends barriers and connects with the public.
After a year full of success, Luis continues touring the different cities of our country with his “DOLORES” tour, in which he has regularly hanga the “SOLD OUT” signs.
Read more ... Young
Camino
NINA PASTORI
Released 23 April 2023
Sony Music Entertainment Espana
****-
“I was neither fish nor fowl, because I am not flamenco in the purest flamenco sense, but for people in pop and rock I was because of my voice,” she argues.
As a "tribute" to her personal and professional experiences in her 28-year career, Niña Pastori has titled her first album with unreleased material in five years as "Camino", an album in which she says she has collected more flowers than stones and of which she feels "very proud."
“Especially if I compare it with other artists who started at the same time, it makes me feel very lucky, because I have been able to collaborate with the best,” adds the Cadiz-born performer.
Daughter of Pastori, a gypsy singer, Niña took to the stage for the first time when she was eight years old. In 1988 she won a provincial flamenco carol contest; it was the first of a long list of prizes and awards. At the age of twelve, a flamenco legend like Camarón de la Isla set his sights on her and introduced her to the public at the Teatro Andalucía in Cádiz. However, those who pushed her to record her first album were, above all, Paco Ortega and Alejandro Sanz. The rest is history; the artist has sold more than millions of copies in her more than 25-year career.
Read more ... Raandoom
Cante a lo Guitar
(Sing Like A Guitar)
NINO DE ELCHE
Released 11 October 2024
Sony / Francisco Contreras Molina
*****
An album of organic music, which incorporates two of its fundamental elements, the guitar and the voice and responds to an aesthetic need that escapes the artificial and connects directly with the emotions.
“Orgánica”, the third studio album by the singer from Murcia (Murcia is a university city and regional capital in southeastern Spain). with which she reconnects with music as something alive, demanding and personal.
The album showcases the life experience and artistic concerns of the artist, from the most traditional flamenco (with references such as La Niña de los Peines, La Perla de Cádiz or Antonio Chacón, which reveals her most orthodox training), to songs from the international classical repertoire performed in Arabic, English, French or Catalan, which are part of her life and memories - adaptations of Nina Simone, Pastora Pavón, Jacques Brel, Catalino Curet Alonso, Carlos Gardel or Alfredo Le Pera.
She is accompanied throughout by guitarist Paco Heredia.
Carmen Doorá is a graduate in Philosophy and a Higher Degree in Flamenco Singing, a vegan, an animal rights activist and a collaborator of the Sustainable Fashion Spain and Sustainable Fashion BCN associations.
Read more ... Murcia.com
Vicente
MARIA TOLEDO
Released 31 December 2023
Maria Toledo
*****
Vicente is a record entirely composed for and dedicated to her first child, based on a concept of piano and flamenco in which María Toledo only accompanies her voice with the sound of the piano and the clapping of her hands.
María Toledo, an icon of present-day flamenco has performed at major venues worldwide and has released seven records, for which she has had six Latin Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Flamenco Music Album, the most recent in this category in 2022 for her album Ranchera Flamenca.
She also claims to be the first woman in the history of flamenco to sing while accompanying herself on the piano.
Vicente, her seventh album and the most special project of her career is a gift in the form of a record in celebration of eternal life - a birthday present for her son, called Vicente like his grandfather, on his first birthday.
From the celebration of bulerías, tangos and alegrías, to the intimacy of the soleá and the petenera, passing through songs such as the liviana, serrana, macho and remate of María Borrico and the sevillanas, she goes over lyrics composed with the emotion of motherhood for her son Vicente, the reason for her existence.
"Feeding you and listening to you breathe is the inspiration of my life and the most beautiful thing I have ever felt. I love you, my son. Happy Birthday!"
Read more ... Teatro Cervantes
Prohibido el Toque
(Touching is Prohibited)
JUANFE PEREZ
Released 16 September 2022
Youkali Music
*****
A bold and innovative work that bridges traditional flamenco with contemporary jazz. Through inventive compositions and a reimagining of instrumental roles, Pérez offers a fresh perspective on flamenco, appealing to both purists and new listeners. The album not only showcases Pérez's technical proficiency and compositional skills but also contributes to the ongoing evolution of flamenco music.
This debut album from Juanfe Perez makes a significant contribution to contemporary flamenco, blending traditional elements with modern jazz influences.
Pérez, a bassist, guitarist, composer, and producer from Villanueva de los Castillejos, Huelva, (a village in the southwest corner of Spain, close to the Portuguese border) has crafted an album that both honors and innovates within the flamenco genre.
The album's title, "Prohibido el Toque" (translated as "Playing is Prohibited"), alludes to historical signs in Andalusian cafés that forbade singing, known as "Prohibido el Cante." This reference underscores Pérez's intent to challenge and expand traditional flamenco boundaries. By placing the bass guitar - a relatively unconventional instrument in flamenco - at the forefront, Pérez redefines its role within the genre.
This approach is evident in tracks like the titular "Prohibido el Toque (Bulería)" and "20 Cigarritos Pal Pecho (Bulería)," where the bass provides both rhythmic foundation and melodic complexity.
Pérez's compositions are deeply rooted in traditional flamenco rhythms, such as bulería, soleá, and taranta, yet they are infused with contemporary jazz elements. This fusion is particularly notable in "In Pureza (Soleá)" and "Plaza del Potro (Taranta)," where complex harmonies and improvisational passages coexist with traditional flamenco forms. The track "A Mommi (Preludio / Alegrias)" exemplifies this synthesis, offering a prelude that transitions into alegrías, seamlessly blending classical and modern influences.
The album features collaborations with artists like Eva Ruiz "La Lebri" on vocals and David Sancho on keyboards, whose contributions enrich the album's texture and depth. The interplay between traditional flamenco instrumentation and modern elements, such as keyboards and innovative bass lines, creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Critically, "Prohibido el Toque" has been recognized for its innovative approach to flamenco.
The album is another fine exemplar of the exciting developments in contemporary jazz flamenco in Spain - and none finer than Pérez's energetic compositions and the prominent role of the bass guitar.
Read more ... Flamenco Biennale
Por la Tangente
DIEGO GUERRERO
Released 17 March 2023
Beatclap Music
****-
Diego Guerrero's 2023 album, Por la Tangente, exemplifies his innovative approach to flamenco, blending traditional elements with diverse musical genres to create a distinctive sound. The album comprises ten tracks, each showcasing Guerrero's versatility and commitment to musical exploration.
The opening track, "Por la Tangente (Timba Flamenca)," sets the tone with a fusion of flamenco rhythms and Cuban timba, highlighting Guerrero's skill in integrating different musical traditions.
This synthesis continues in "El Tren de Juañares (Bulería)" and "La Mueve el Aire (Tanguillos)," where traditional flamenco forms are reimagined with contemporary arrangements.
"Vengo Pa Quedarme (Rumba Flamenca)," featuring Los Yakis, stands out for its vibrant energy and catchy melodies, exemplifying Guerrero's ability to craft engaging compositions that resonate with a broad audience. In contrast, tracks like "Manifiesto (Tangos)" and "Horcas y Cuchillos (Bulería)" delve deeper into flamenco's expressive potential, offering introspective and emotionally rich performances.
The album's production quality is noteworthy, with meticulous attention to detail in both instrumentation and vocal delivery.
Guerrero's proficiency as a producer, singer, and guitarist is evident throughout, as he seamlessly blends various musical elements to create a cohesive and innovative body of work.
Por la Tangente has garnered critical acclaim, earning a nomination for Best Flamenco Album at the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards. This recognition underscores Guerrero's impact on the contemporary flamenco scene and his dedication to pushing the genre's boundaries.
Read more ... Deflamenco
Exodus
ALXARAF
Released 23 April 2024
Alxaraf
****-
In Exodus, the trio formed by Vicente Gelo, David Chupete and Tino van der Sman use their native musical language, flamenco, to fuse it with Sephardic music. Both merge into a single music, fresh and rich in nuances that will delight anyone who loves good music.
Sephardic music is an umbrella term used to refer to the music of the Sephardic Jewish community. Sephardic Jews have a diverse repertoire the origins of which center primarily around the Mediterranean basin. In the secular tradition, material is usually sung in dialects of Judeo-Spanish, though other languages including Hebrew, Turkish, Greek, and other local languages of the Sephardic diaspora are widely used. Sephardim maintain geographically unique liturgical and para-liturgical traditions.
Songs which are sung by women were traditionally sung while performing household tasks, without accompaniment or harmony.
Tambourines and other percussion instruments are sometimes used, especially in wedding songs.
Oud and qanún are also used in some instrumentations of Sephardic music, and more modern performers incorporate countless other imported instruments.
The members of the group Alxaraf were trained in flamenco from a very young age and travelled the world with their voices and instruments.
Already in their maturity, they conceived this musical project that was born from the need to remember and bring to light the fertile cultural legacy that was imprinted in our Andalusia.
Read more ... Bandcamp, Wikipedia
Rumberas
(Rumba Dancers)
LAS MIGAS
Released 3 April 2023
Las Migas Music
****-
“I was neither fish nor fowl, because I am not flamenco in the purest flamenco sense, but for people in pop and rock I was because of my voice,” she argues.
After winning a Latin GRAMMY award for Libres (Best Flamenco Album) in 2022, the all-female quartet from Barcelona comes back strong in 2024 with a new Latin GRAMMY nomination for their latest album Rumberas.
Las Migas fuse the potent strains of Catalan rumba, flamenco, and other traditional Spanish musics with irresistible pop hooks and stunning vocal harmonies.
The album transcends genres and borders, to embrace international sounds, from Cuba and Mexico, as well as Spain and Catalunya.
Rumba is a vibrant, multicultural musical genre that has conquered the world with its contagious energy and rhythmic fusion. Originating in Cuba in the 19th century, rumba draws from a mix of African and Spanish influences, creating a sound that invites celebration and soulful expression through music and dance. Over time, this genre has evolved and crossed borders, giving rise to different variations and styles, such as flamenco rumba in Spain or Catalan rumba, which has gained popularity in recent years.Rumba is a vibrant,
Las Migas are Paula Ramírez, Marta Robles, Alicia Grillo and Laura Pacios. For these women being "rumberas" is more than just a label or a music genre-it's a way of life. To them, rumba is a feminine anthem for women who give their all, who fight, express themselves, and deserve their own space. Las Migas shed labels to reveal themselves as they truly are: pure, authentic, and unique.
With 20 years of musical career and six studio albums, Las Migas have become one of Spain's most internationally recognized bands, performing in over 50 countries.
Throughout their career, they have collaborated with stellar and diverse artists such as Estrella Morente, Silvia Perez Cruz, Viva Suecia, Rozalén, El Kanka, Kevin Johansen, Tomatito, Miguel Poveda, Maria Pelaé, Raul Refree, and Loli Molina, highlighting the immense musicality of this unstoppable group of women.
The band, named for a traditional Spanish dish, has been described by El País as "food for the empowerment of flamenco women", and The Guardian says Las Migas are "taking flamenco in new directions while preserving its essential spirit".
Read more ... Broadway World
Libres
(Free)
LAS MIGAS
Released 22 April 2022
Las Migas Music
****-
Libres exemplifies Las Migas' commitment to artistic freedom and their ability to seamlessly integrate diverse musical influences into the flamenco genre, solidifying their position as a dynamic and innovative force.
Las Migas' fifth album, Libres, released in April 2022, represented a significant evolution in the ensemble's musical journey, expanding their flamenco roots to incorporate a diverse array of genres and create a distinctive and contemporary sound.
The album comprises ten tracks that traverse various musical landscapes, incorporating elements of American black music and showcasing the group's stylistic freedom.
Notable collaborations include "Alba," featuring Estrella Morente, which infuses pop sensibilities with lyrics by Federico García Lorca, and "La cantaora," with María Peláe, delving into urban music influences. "Rumba para que te enamores," featuring renowned guitarist Tomatito, stands out as a vibrant rumba that enriches the album's diversity.
Libres garnered critical acclaim, winning the Latin Grammy Award for Best Flamenco Album in 2022 and the AIE Independent Music Award for Best Flamenco Album in 2023.
These accolades underscore the album's impact and the ensemble's innovative approach to flamenco music.
The album's thematic focus on freedom and strong women is evident throughout, with compositions that evoke the elements - sea, earth, air, and fire - and explore themes of free love and hope. This conceptual depth, combined with the group's artistic versatility, results in a refreshing and inspiring listening experience that resonates with both traditional flamenco aficionados and new audiences.
Read more ... Murcia.com
Zurdo
(Left Handed)
RAULE
Released 16 February 2024
Satellite K / Monoprod
****-
The album seamlessly integrates flamenco rhythms with elements of funk-pop, creating a rich tapestry of sound that appeals to a broad audience.
Raule's album Zurdo, released in early 2024, blends traditional flamenco and contemporary genres to craft a distinctive sound.
The album's title, Zurdo, translates to "left-handed" in English, a term often associated with creativity and unconventional thinking, which aptly reflects Raule's innovative approach to music.
Comprising 13 tracks, Zurdo showcases Raule's versatility as a musician and composer.
Notable tracks include "Alma Libre," which features intricate guitar work and emotive vocals, and "Caminos Cruzados," a piece that blends traditional flamenco with modern beats, exemplifying Raule's ability to honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Critics have praised Zurdo for its maturity and personal depth. La Vanguardia describes it as Raule's "most personal and mature project to date," highlighting his growth as an artist.
The album reflects Raule's life experiences, including his role as a father, with heartfelt compositions that resonate on a personal level.
Read more ... La Vanguardia