Camarón – La Leyenda del Tiempo (Polygram, 1979 / reissue Universal Music Spain, 2013)
If you’ve had contact with flamenco artists, the name Camaron frequently comes up. He was the iconic traditional Gypsy singer that revolutionized the world of flamenco by incorporating modern elements, including rock music, jazz and Latin American rhythms. La Leyenda del Tiempo is one of his most important recordings.
La Leyenda del Tiempo was Camarón de la Isla’s tenth album and it was remixed and remastered in 2013. This was Camarón’s first groundbreaking recording where he broke away from tradition. The album infuriated purists. Traditional flamenco fans returned copies of this LP claiming that it was not their Camarón. However, La Leyenda del Tiempo eventually became a classic.
Although Camarón had been playing with legendary guitarist Paco de Lucia for many years, he changed guitar players and started working with Tomatito, who became his longtime musical partner. La Leyenda del Tiempo is the first Camarón recording with Tomatito on guitar. Tomatito is an innovator and currently a living legend in the world of flamenco guitar.
The majority of the lyrics are poems by Federico Garcia Lorca adapted to flamenco by famed producer Ricardo Pachón Capitán. Ricardo Pachón was the visionary producer who discovered and recorded some of the finest Andalusian underground rock artists, many of which became highly popular acts.
La Leyenda del Tiempo features traditional style flamenco songs such as ‘Romance Del Amargo’ and ‘Homenaje a Federico.’ Other pieces like ‘La Leyenda del Tiempo’and ‘La Tarara’ feature electric piano and synthesizer solos by Manuel and Rafael Marinelli, and electric guitar work by Pepe Roca, all three members of celebrated Andalusian progressive rock band Alameda.
Several songs from this album became hits, especially Kike Veneno’s ‘Volando Voy.’ This flamenco rock Gypsy rumba inspired many rumba groups, including the Gypsy Kings. Respected flamenco blues artist Raimundo Amador appears on guitar and electric bass.
Flute player and saxophonist Jorge Pardo, currently a highly-respected flamenco jazz artist, also participated in the recording. You’ll also hear Diego Cortés on backing vocals. Diego has had a successful solo career and is also a groundbreaker.
Brazilian percussionist Rubem Dantas appears on the album. He was Paco de Lucia’s longtime percussionist and the person responsible for introducing the Peruvian cajón into flamenco. The modified flamenco cajón is now a standard in most modern flamenco recordings.
The last cut, ‘Nana Del Caballo Grande’ features Camarón on vocals accompanied by Gualberto on sitar. Gualberto is a legend in Andalusian underground music. His solo albums, especially Vericuetos are essential Andalusian progressive rock recordings.
The lineup on the album features Camarón on vocals; Tomatito on flamenco guitar; Raimundo Amador on flamenco guitar; Jorge Pardo on flute; Manolo Marinelli on keyboards; Rafael Marinelli on piano; Pepe Roca on electric guitar; Gualberto Garcia on sitar; Rubem Dantas on percussion; Tito Duarte on percussion; José Antonio Galicia on drums; Antonio Moreno “Tacita” on drums; Pepe Ebano on bongos; and Diego Carrasco, Manuel Soler, Enrique Pantoja, El Bollito and Manuela on palmas (handclap percussion) and backing vocals.
The 35th Anniversary edition contains a DVD with a documentary and additional footage plus an extensive book with essays and photos.
La Leyenda del Tiempo is a historic album by one the greatest legends in the world of flamenco music.
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.
