Search - Chambao :: Con Otro Aire

The best Spain has to offer

Gary A. Hall | Ft. Myers, FL United States | 02/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In my opinion, Europe has gotten way ahead of us in the development of original musical styles & ideas. Spain in particular has some great bands, especially under the stylistic banner of Nuevo Flamenco. Chambao is one of the finest.



This is simply a stunning piece of work. Although I often see Chambao classified as Flamenco Chill, this album defies easy categorization. In addition to traditional instruments like acoustic guitar, you'll find flute, oud and other instruments not generally associated with flamenco, all tied to together by La Mari's vocals & lyrics.



This album is very melodic and consequently much more accessible than, say, Ojo de Brujo's Techari, which is also a masterful album but can be hard to follow at times.



As of this writing, Con Otro Aire is at Number 8 on the album charts in Spain and the single, Papeles Mojados is at Number One!



Forget that you don't speak Spanish - buy this album!!!"

Simplified, Dumbed down, Popified Chambao

Konstantin Gredeskoul | San Francisco, California | 08/12/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is my 3rd Chambao album, after "Pokito a Poko" and "Endorfinas en la mente", and this one is the first to disappoint. Maybe not hugely, but a little.



Melodies have gotten simpler, the Spanish flavor and perky melodies, rhythms and harmonies are replaced with smooth listening, and I suspect broader accessibility. Wonderful flamenco syncopation, while present on the background, is largely overpowered by a more typical 4/4 beats.



I can see how this album climbed to 7th place, as it's probably more generally accessible, but the soul of Chambao so present in her previous albums seems sadly, at large.

"

Chambao es la hostia

Coyote Trekker | Santa Barbara, CA | 05/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Este grupo musical no tiene igual en el mundo entero. La voz, las palabras y el ritmo de LaMari te transportan al mar, al cielo, a las estrellas y a la profundidad de su alma. Esta música me inspira a ser aun más feliz de lo que soy, me hace reír, me trae lágrimas y me provoca a abrazar a todos, tanto a los conocidos como a los desconocidos. Qué alegría más sincera, más contagiosa, más iluminadora. La verdad es que LaMari nos muestra la sencillez de la vida y le mando mis mil y una gracias. Y...me encanta el homenaje a las ballenas..."