Search - Various Artists :: Legends of Gypsy Flamenco

Muy duende

Bleny the Luke | Belgate, MD | 06/13/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you understand what duende is, you will enjoy this one. My collection of traditional (and selected Nuevo) flamenco is extensive, but this one gets more play time than most. Next to a live Juerga, this is the best thing you'll hear. True flamenco was never intended for an audience. This is as close to it as you'll get."

Highlight: Parrilla de Jerez and Curro Malena

Dr. Debra Jan Bibel | Oakland, CA USA | 07/13/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While the first and second volumes of these flamenco anthologies have most of the same artists, this first volume is special by including two tracks of guitarist Parrilla de Jerez [Manuel Fernàndez Molina] accompanying cantaor Curro Malena [Francisco Carrasco Carrasco], two brilliant prize-winners. This album is among the very rare that feature them. Other positives include selections of cantaors La Paquera de Jerez and Manuel Jiménez Rejano. On the negative side, for me, are three pieces from the overrated but historically important Manitas de Plata and two from the peculiar high voiced Pepe Nuñez "El Loreño". Together, the anthology does provide a good taste of mid twentieth-century flamenco, where so few are available. If you desire a variety of flamenco forms and artists, certainly obtain these two albums, but then explore further and deeper this evolving art form."