Melón Jiménez – Ecos de Magerit (Melón Jiménez, 2022)
Rising Flamenco guitarist Melón Jiménez has just released “Ecos de Magerit” (Echoes of Madrid). It is a guitar recording that combines traditional and contemporary forms of flamenco. Furthermore, it is a tribute album to the places and corners of Madrid, in which Melón grew personally and artistically. The title Maherit refers to the name the Moors gave to Madrid, although some scholars believe the original name derives from the Roman word matrix.
“Ecos de Magerit” was recorded in Madrid and features several high profile guests, such as the great flamenco fusion bassist Carles Benavent; acclaimed percussionist El Piraña; and the equally talented Spain-based Canadian flute player Lara Wong. With this in mind, Melón shot two music videos located in iconic areas of Madrid.
On “Ecos de Magerit,” Melón Jiménez presents a collection of instrumentals, highlighting his exceptional talent as a performer and composer. In particular, “Ecos de Magerit” includes masterful solo guitar performances where Melón Jiménez exhibits his musical influences that range from traditional flamenco to Spanish classical guitar, sometimes purely solo or accompanied by light percussion like palmas (handclaps) or other instruments. In addition, Melón performs duo pieces like a gorgeous interaction between guitar and bass with Carles Benavent. Significantly, the irresistible rumba flamenca, “Ecos de Magerit” features a larger ensemble with beautiful interplay between guitar, flute, bass and percussion.
Although he was born in Jerez, Melón Jiménez spends a lot of time in Madrid. For this reason, the inspiration for the new album came from the places and stories in the Spanish capital that evoke an Andalusian past. For instance, ‘El Zoco,’ ‘El Emir’ or ‘La Muralla.’ Additionally, the rondeña ‘Gato Montoya’ is dedicated to the Madrid guitar master Don Ramón Montoya, one of the greatest guitar players of the 20th century. Notably, this piece was selected for the finals of the Paco de Lucía awards held in Seville in 2022.
Melón Jiménez is a guitarist to watch. He has an alluring style that presents prodigiously performed, masterfully crafted compositions, exposing guitar complexities and a skill for bridging tradition and modernity.
More about Melón Jiménez
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.
muy powerful.gracias!!