Flamenco Master (Essential Flamenco Recordings) - Paco Pena

Advantages: Rustic, Powerful, Emotive
Disadvantages: None, unless you have a problem with late 70's sound quality

...A Flamenco tour de force. To Flamenco-lovers, Carlos Montoya is a legend. He educated the rest of the world about various Flamenco styles, leaving his native Spain in the 1930's. Settling in the U.S.A, he would then shape a very specific style with the influence of Jazz. I think that most of the Jazz influence can be distinguished through Carlos Montoya's playfulness. He enjoys discharging lightning-fast tempo in various parts of his pieces and has the ability to then pick up where he left off with ecstatic simplicity. This album was released in 2004 under Pazzazz Records. Originally, the tracks were recorded in 1979 (all of them). 13 of the 15 tracks are by Carlos himself. The remaining 2 are both traditional; or at least traditional-based. Another great factor is that these tracks maintain the slightly coarse recording sound... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Unwind to this CD, Chill Out, Relax, Suitable for all occassions, Excellent recording, Stunning sound!
Disadvantages: Only 13 tracks...leaves you wanting more...

...Gothic Flamenco is a rare Masterpiece, full of Emotive Music and Distinctive Sound. This album really is something quite exquisite... It will literally melt the stresses of your day away or simply lift your mood and make you smile on a cloudy day. Plug in the headphones, turn it up and let the Beautifully Intricate, Rich, Melodic Waves of Sound, wash over you... Prepare to lose yourself in the rich, warm tones of ' Blazing Hot Sun '... Feel the passion in the tender, intricate notes of ' Supreme Love '... Be secure in the familiarity of ' Gypsy Gathering '... In ' Gothic Flamenco ', G P Hall brings to you a Breathtaking selection of Surreal, Raw, Organic, Sincere and Captivating Melodys, which simply cannot fail to Capture your Heart, Soul and Imagination. Featuring a spectrum of sound, suitable for all occassions... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good rhythm to lift spirits
Disadvantages: Strong similarity between tracks

...After developing a liking for flamenco music, I encountered this interesting CD of Jesse Cook's. It's modern - mixing pop with flamenco rhythms and traces of arabic and indian sounds. It's a delight to hear the complementary sounds from different traditions in this artist's work. This collection of songs is a wonderful break from your typical popular radio fair. If no one is watching, you may be tempted to dance around your kitchen to the music in a break from washing the dishes. I often find myself humming the tune to the "Early on Tuesday Song" where the lyrics are about two people in love just going away one day, and leaving the hum-drum routeins behind (at least for a short time). The lyrics are good enough to cause some reflection - is my life really hum-drum? Maybe today's a good day to do something I really want to!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful