Search - Various Artists :: Gypsy Soul: New Flamenco

New Flamenco Soul

Russell Diederich | Littleton, CO United States | 03/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is not traditional flamenco, but rather a mixture of flamenco, Latin and jazz wrapped together to make for seventy-minutes of pure listening joy. The flamenco style is definitely the overlying theme of the album filled with tremolos, rasgueos, glopes and lightning-fast runs. Everyone that appears on this album is a master of the guitar, from those you'd expect like Paco de Lucia and Al Di Meola to those who will surprise you, namely Slash. Fourteen tracks and sixteen amazing pickers provide a varied flavor for this album. Jesse Cook starts the album with "Rattle and Burn" and sets the tone with this rumba-sounding piece. His melody comes off effortless with elegant ease. A very nice sounding piece. There is something special about two or more guitars playing at the same time, which makes "Heat of the Sun" from Strunz and Farah a joy to listen to. Each guitarist has their own voice and they counterbalance each other well. Plus, the speed of these guys is unbelievable. A more classic sounding piece comes from Oscar Lopez from his piece "Fire and Fury". Lopez is a master of the guitar and music as can be seen from the way he changes speeds throughout this piece with fingers a blur. Ruben Romero turns in the star performance of this album with his rendition of "Malaguena". His slow intro gives way to increasing speed, and his techniques will leave your jaw dropped. Compilations like "Gypsy Soul" are great in exposing you to many artists at one time each with their own sound and nuances. This allows you to follow up with the artists that you enjoy the most. There isn't a dud on this album, and the talent and sound will leave you begging for more."

FLAMENCO OR NOT, IT'S BRILLIANT

Mark | Steamboat Springs, Colorado | 12/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The talent, toil, passion and devotion of the artists on this ensemble collection cannot be surpassed. Though every cut is outstanding, some prove even more dynamic. The virtuosity of Jesse Cook and emotional arrangments and percussion on Bozzio Levin Stevens "Duende" are riveting. Di Meola's "Mediteranean Sundance" can only be topped when listening to it on the live San Francisco album when joined by de Lucia and John McGlaughlin. Anyone contemplating negative commentary on this CD needs to "take a deep one". The end sum of years of bleeding fingers, lifetimes of devotion to thier art and passionate hours of playing easily total a millenium! An absolute gem in any collection - whether you know it or not!"

Exquisite.

Mr. Fellini | El Paso, Texas United States | 11/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Spanish flamenco is a music style that has so many cultures mixed into it. It has styles all the way from the Indians to the Arabs and to the Jews. This CD is a magnificent showcasing of great flamenco talents. I especially enjoyed pieces like Paco De Lucia's "Zyryab" and Bozzio Levin Stevens' "Duende" which have Middle Eastern touches. The playing is extremely exquisite and shows why the Spaniards are the kings of the guitar. There is just so much talent here vibrating with life and passion. The music reveals deep emotions and thoughts. There are many songs here that have hypnotic intensity. Ruben Romero's version of "Malagueña" is vibrant and rich in composition. This is a CD any lover of flamenco music will enjoy, any lover of REAL music. This is art done with emotion and sensuous feeling. Some songs will just call you back for more listenings. Great work of art."