Search - Hossam Ramzy, Rafa El Tachuela :: Flamenco Arabe

Fascinating flamenco fusion--but an imperfect mix

Joanna Daneman | Middletown, DE USA | 10/10/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This album is an interesting project involving Hossam Ramzy, an Egyptian musician who specialized in Arabic flute and tabla, among many instruments, and Rafa El Tachuela, a flamenco guitarist who has interests in the roots of flamenco.



Flamenco, the music of Spain, is not purely Spanish, of course. The Moorish influence is there, a North African thread, and the guitar is a descendant of the oud or Arabic lute, and there is also the huge, if not overwhelming influence of the Rom (Gypsies), who originated in India and settled all over Europe. The Rom have a deep tradition as musicians--and the Spanish Rom or Gypsies of Andalusia are known for their influence on Flamenco, actually more than just "influence"--the Andalusian gypsy and Flamenco are inextricably entwined. There is also a theory that some of the singing is a parody or adaptation of plainsong (Gregorian Chant)--music that the populace would hear during church--possibly adapted as entertainment during parties or get-togethers. The word "Flamenco", strangely enough, stems from "Flanders", though it's hardly Dutch!



So, a fusion of Arabic music with Spanish Flamenco should work--but, on this CD, I found the Arabic flute sonorities strangely at odds with the guitar. Rather than being blended by their common threads, the two strands seem to contrast each other and never quite develop a hybrid. I found the flute, in particular, to be quite jarring against the guitar--the one soft, playing fluidly and huskily between the notes as does Arabic music, against the percussive, harp-like guitar and its more Western harmonies. The violin did work better to blend with the guitar--perhaps it was the fact the violin is stringed, or perhaps it was the Gypsy sonority of this expressive instrument, so like a human voice, that succeeded.



While I enjoyed this CD, I really didn't find that it was a total success. Some of the tracks were quite pleasing--Track 5 "Rafaga De Viento" was delightful, featuring more guitar. The final track "Juntos" was the most successful in blending the Arabic and Spanish sounds. My take on this CD--fascinating music, certainly not a clone of classic flamenco. The Arabic flavor makes this unique. Listen to some samples and see how it sits with you."

Dazzling Multicultural Fireworks

Marius Cipolla | 10/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I won't go into much detail about the content of this album -- other reviewers have done so already (though beware, a lot of nonsense gets talked by the ignorant). Suffice it to say that Arab rhythms are the driving force behind Flamenco music, and that when a percussionist of the calibre of Hossam Ramzy (one of Egypt's foremost recording stars) gets together with a guitarist as fiery as Rafa El Tachuela, one has the highest hopes for the result.



In this case they are spectacular. Rafa El Tachuela's playing is just wonderful on this album, endlessly inventive, never missing a beat or a note, a torrent of passion in the purest Flamenco style. But it is the genius of Ramzy that really makes this album great, reaching into his own Classical Egyptian roots, as well as other North African, Indian and Persian traditions, to produce a delightful journey on a flying carpet of music.



Ramzy is a genius at working with musicians from other genres, from rock to classical. The fantasy suite which is the climax of the album, "Silk Road," is one of the biggest treats of all, seamlessly bringing together diverse performers from half a dozen different styles.



This album continues to grow and grow on me. It is so multi-layered that it takes many listenings to really start to appreciate its depths -- even if you are slightly baffled at first, take my word for it, it is worth leaving in your CD player!



I would recommend this very highly to anyone who loves North African or Flamenco music; but it is also a fabulous fusion album that will delight all those with adventurous tastes, and will satisfy the most jaded New Age fan."

Flamenco Arabe

GiGi Fayed | Miami, Florida | 10/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an exquisite CD. SO much has been said by the others that reviewed this CD that I will simply say that it is a work of art that leaves your spirit ardent with inspiration and fire. I play this CD in my Belly Dance, Tribal Fusion Belly Dance and Flamenco classes. All my students love this CD as do I. Every single cut is a winner. Teachers buy this CD and prepare to get inspired!



GiGi Fayed

Artistic Director Gypsy Fire"