Nuevo Flamenco chill'n
Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 04/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is a rich tapestry of sound that stiches jazz rhythms, electronica sensibilities, Middle Eastern elements with the passion of Flamenco results in a fresh approach to an avenue tried by many but not as good as on this disc. Part of the success of this Spanish groups sound is the chill factor and the captivating vocals by M del Mar del Rodriquez's voice that is full of intense emotion. Her sensous voice cries out with powerful feelings and mixes well with the guitar and chorus of Eduardo Casan who is the apparent other leader of the group. The group reminds me of B-Tribe at times but there is more of a earthy feel to the music, filled with joy and intensity. The B-Tribe characteristics can be found in several of the tracks including the opener, although more jazzy, " Pokito a Poko ","Camino Interior ", with a trance like melancholy feel that utilizes basic musical elements to emphasize M del Mar del Rodriquez's voice that just sucks you lnto the music. There is a dream like quality to some of the tracks , like "Dibujo en el aire" that is a song of hope and trying to change people's conscience with lyrics that profess change and a lingering thought," Evolucion, en el cambio esta la evolucion"(Evolution, in change there is evolution). There is optimism throughout this Spanish language disc with lyrics that affirm their hope in mankind. There are tales of life in the Gitano universe, part folklore part reality all for your listening pleasure to a nuevo flamenco beat. This is an exciting yet kick back, listen to the chill out Iberian groove CD that most nnuevo Flamenco enthusiasts would like. The tantalizing vocals and rhythmns will put you into a happy mood. As a bonus there is a DVD included which features five songs from the CD. The recreated songs are on a beach setting with the songs strung together in storybook fashion as the musicans have a grand old time dancing and playing music; the visuals are pretty cool. Also there is an interview that features five minutes with Chambao and a gallery of still photos set to music. Good stuff for chill'n."
I'm their biggest fan & this is my least favoute Chambao alb
BOOK BOY | USA | 07/27/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Chambao is actually means a thatched beach hut. I've been a fan of the group from Malaga since Flamenco Chill and bought all their albums, falling in love with each one. They are seriously talented.
The band have never stayed put, always presenting fresh variations on their music. However this album seems to have less "je ne sais quoi" than the others, somewhat more mediocre as if the spirit of Chambao has been watered down a little. It would be exaggerating things to say Chambao have gone "Hollywood" - make no mistake - this is an album that any fan will play again and again enjoying, but I just hope their next album captures or evolves more of the fun rich flavour of their earlier work. This album also lacks any male vocals, which although not the most perfect vocals, they were in moderation and added extra flavour to the older albums.
It's as if someone in Marketing has had a meeting. Too smooth. Part of the vivaciousness, fun, roughness, passion that I love has turned much more restaurant-background-music-friendly.
If you have all the other albums, this is a worthy addition. I just hope Chambao read this and follow their hearts more with their next album because they are geniuses; they have made so many fantastic songs.
I'm going to see them perform in Septemeber which I'm excited about like a kid on Christmas eve. But to sum up this album, if I knew that they were going to play only songs from this album I would not be travelling 3 hours to go see them. I would go if they were in my hometown."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1