A little more flamenco

[Bluebrew]

I suppose you wonder why all this. in the 1960s when jazz took a strange turn I went another path for many years. It wasn't difficult because i played since i was young. Mainly accompanying my mother who was from a small town on Seville and was a good singer. Andalusians are probably the people who get the most homesick of any people and my mother was no different. So I learned and studies on many trips with my mother to her home town. Flamenco is an interesting art to be sure so I am doing a little "missionary" work here for my mom and any new believers. Outside of Spain people know the flamenco guitar through the work of Paco de Lucia or Sabicas and others. They are also aware of the colorful dancing but the truth is the singing is the heart of flamenco, much like the blues in that respect. The guitarist who accompanies well is more highly valued and a concert soloist because the flamenco guitar was made to accompany. Any way here are some singers with excellent guitarists that you might enjoy.

Terremoto de Jerez is probably the genius of my generation. He is soulful and knowledgeable and his rhythm (compàs) is impeccable. This is a record that is available on Amazon.


The record:
http://www.amazon.com/Great-Masters-...8019612&sr=1-1


Here is another also on Amazon of the most famous female singer of the past 50 years. La Fernanda de Utrera. Again much soul and great vocal technique with a very flamenco voice.



This is not the same cover but it's the same music.here is the record:
http://www.amazon.com/Ritmo-Sangre-F...8019947&sr=8-1

This site has a dictionary of forms in English that is a work in progress but contains vital information.
http://tristeyazul.com/historia_palo..._flamenco.html

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Recently got this, on your recommendation on another thread. Superb and dramatic vocalist! I'll be looking for more from him.


What did you think of the Bebo & Cigala CD "Lagrimas Negras" from 2003? I know a number of us here enjoyed it. And what do you think of Cigala? (Much 'rougher' voice than Terremoto.)

I love fado, and the greatest of all fadistas, Amalia Rodrigues, did some flamenco also, and of course it's incredibly good!

[Bluebrew]

I am not one for flamenco fusion...I have done some but I guess I have become more of a purist in my old age but the Bebo - Cigala effort is to be commended. I have it so I still have my ears open to new stuff. I liked Bebo a little more than El Cigala on the record but my daughter who lives in Madrid saw them live and Cigala was what caught everybody that night so you know how that goes. Cigala does have a very Gypsy voice.

The thing with flamenco fusion is the same as jazz fusion in the beginning, there is a lot of junk out there because it's marketable I guess. Like Barbarìa del Sur etc. Sort of "flamenco for people who don't really like flamenco".

Amalia is the greatest but I did a series of concerts opposite a fado group call "Voces de Iberia" and the fado singer that headed that group was also great. Her name is Argentina Santos. She's got a few CDs out. She was about 75 at the time and altogether we were six on the tour and she cooked for us everyday. Portuguese food is great too. Sometimes she goes by Tina Santos.

BTW did you see that Diego del Gastor clip?

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

I have a single cut by Argentina Santos, on a Queens of Fado compilation. I give it a listen along with the del Gastor clip during the day (my wife's birthday, going well so far, the earrings and card were a hit!).

You know the Don Byas album with Amalia, yes?

[Bluebrew]

Originally Posted by Squaredancecalling Steve

I have a single cut by Argentina Santos, on a Queens of Fado compilation. I give it a listen along with the del Gastor clip during the day (my wife's birthday, going well so far, the earrings and card were a hit!).

You know the Don Byas album with Amalia, yes?

No I don't know that album. Tell me the name of it. That has to be very vrey interesting. Wait i am not supose to like fusion any more LOL

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

They were both at the same world music festival in 1972. One of my favorite albums. Amalia is at the absolute top of her game, and Byas connects perfectly with the bluesy heart of fado.



Encontro Com Don Byas (EMI International)

[Bluebrew]

Thanks Steve there's one copy on Amazon`. but my daughter is singing in Lisbon next month so she says she'll get it got me.

Speaking of fusion how do you feel about novo fado groups like Madredeus?

Here's Amalia on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyC_W...eature=related

And Argentina:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANmy0arQE6o

I like the male fadistas as well like the "King" ALFREDO MARCENEIRO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXQgA...eature=related

The Portuguese guitar is absolutely too much but I am too old to start that

BTW do you live anywhere near New Jersey? There is a big fado community there.

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Thanks for the fado links, Bluebrew! Very enjoyable!

If you haven't, check your PMs! (Upper right hand corner of the web page)

I have only one cut from Marceneiro, on a comp. But hearing him makes me wonder why there are so many great young woman fadistas coming up, and no prominent male singers.

Originally Posted by Bluebrew

Speaking of fusion how do you feel about novo fado groups like Madredeus?

I'm not familiar with them. I'll give a listen.



You should post a link with one of your own flamenco pieces, Tomas! Maybe from your album.