Various Artists
Flamencópolis (Universal Music Latino, 2006)
This compilation contains fabulous collaborations between Flamenco artists and some of the biggest names in world music and jazz. Universal Music Spain went through numerous recordings and extracted the pieces where Flamenco stars collaborated with renowned musicians from other genres.
The list is like a dream team. Guitarist Tomatito jams with jazz legend George Benson, Raimundo Amador is joined by none other than B.B. King. The kings of Nuevo flamenco, etama appear with several extraordinary duets with Caetano Veloso, Khaled, Rao Kyao and Michel Camilo.
The late Camarón de la Isla appears with The Royal Philharmonic orchestra, Spanish pop singer Ana Belén and Raimundo Amador.
Listeners can check out early work by legendary guitarist Paco de Lucía, fusing Flamenco with salsa with Dolores and jamming with jazz masters John McLaughlin and Al Di Meola.
The celebrated collaborations of Tomatito with pianist Michel Camilo are represented with one piece.
Other artists that appear are Pata Negra and its offspring, Patita Negra, performing with Omara Portuondo and Mercedes Sosa.
If you like the new trends in Flamenco, and world music in general, you really need to pick a copy of this album. Highly recommended.
Buy the CD:
- In North America: Flamencópolis.
- In Europe: Flamencopolis
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
