Search - Various Artists :: Duende: From Traditional Masters To Gypsy Rock

With the dizzying array of recordings on the market claiming to be flamenco, it's hard for someone looking to discover the music to figure out what the music is, let alone which of the thousands of records available are worth the price. For both novices and those wishing to expand their knowledge of this Afro-Andalusian-Gypsy music, this three-CD set with a detailed and entertaining book is a must. From the deepest, most heart-stomping roots to the slickest pop crossovers, this set has endeavored to distill centuries of evolution into a few hours, and actually succeeds rather nicely. Whether your taste is for the simple guitar and palmas accompanying the raw, wrenching voice of Terremoto de Jerez, the Afro-Spanish explorations of Toumani Diabate, or the youthful exuberance of Pata Negra's flamenco rock, this set has it covered. Important artists are given a wider listening (the Paco de Lucia tracks offers a traditional bulerias instead of the jazz fusions he is well-known for). The whole set would be worth its price just to hear the gorgeous tones of La Niña de los Peines, whose voice was one of the wonders of the flamenco world. Her 1930s recording included in this set is priceless. --Louis Gibson