2006 has past and we are taking the opportunity to have a look at what the year's new releases have had to offer us. In these past 12 months we have seen the growth of new vocal talent, the birth of some new stars and a confirmation that jazz and flamenco are more than good friends. There has also been time for the classics, fusion lovers and those for a taste for more commercial sounds.
One of the early birds this year was José Mercé. As the year begun this veteran cantaor from Jerez released "Lo que no se da" another example of his personal flamenco for everybody style. Like his earlier releases there is a flamenco stlye cover of a hit from a different genre. This time it's "Mammy blue"s turn.
Mercé is a member of the Sordera, one of the oldest flamenco sagas in Jerez. The other three important families from Jerez, the Moneo, the Zambo and the Morena families have witnessed the reediting of their work in a triple album. "Al aire de Jerez, la herencia cantaora de tres familias" which is undoubtedly one of the most important "jondo" productions of the season.
Among the most important, and most classic, flamenco recoveries has been that of Fosforito. The RTVE-Música label has rescued from its archive the best recordings of the master from Puente Genil.
ID="45104662">"Fosforito. Actuaciones históricas" double album is an ideal way to mark his fifth "Llave de Oro" award and the 50 year career of this unique cantaor.
Another master, Manolo Sanlúcar, a virtuoso of the guitar has released an album in 2006, editing his compositions for "Medea".
Newly established maturity
This year two important cantaores have broken their long musical silence. Potito with "Barrio Alto" and Duquende with "Mi forma de vivir" have managed to get out from under the shadow of Camaron and have given us what are, until now, their most mature records. Two releases which, albeit with touches of Camaron, exude a deeply personal style.
But for many this year has been Miguel Poveda's. The young Catalan singer based in Seville has, after some flirting with copla and tango, recorded great flamenco under producer Juan Carlos Romero. "Tierra de calma" is one of the best albums this year and Poveda is one of the most on form cantaores, something he demonstrates every time he gets on stage.
The most outstanding release in terms of female vocals is "Mujeres" by Estrella Morente, a tasteful and sensitive tribute to various flamenco singers. A traditional style that does not forego modern trends, in a similar vein to "Ropavieja" the third album by Arcángel.
Flamenco, jazz and other fusion
Flirting between jazz and flamenco has been particularly productive this year. We have witnessed the reunion of Tomatito's guitar and Michel Camilo's piano in "Spain again". Niño Josele has moved us with a flamenco version of "Paz" by Bill Evans.
Josemi Carmona and Carles Benavent have gotten together to produce "Sumando" and Chano Domínguez has stepped forward as the creator of a "New Flamenco Sound".
Fusion of flamenco with other music styles has shown that the jondo art is a movement based on freedom, clearly seen in Ojos de Brujo's "Techarí". Son de la Frontera's second album "Cal" has confirmed the birth of a new style, flamenco son.
The artist Pitingo is also creating something new with his Soulería, this very young cantaor who has an traditional voice but and innovative spirit has been brought to us by a great record label and mentors the
legendary los Habichuela. "Pitingo con Habichuelas" is a clear commitment to the future.
In terms of commercial success the year's biggest hit has been Nina Pastori's "Joyas Prestadas". This singer from San Fernando (Cádiz-Spain) went Platinum in Spain and has been a huge hit in Latin America with her sixth album of flamenco covers of pop hits.
"Vengo venenoso" has also gone gold. Antonio Carmona's (Ketama's ex lead singer) solo debut is another album designed to top the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. His pop-rock with flamenco touches will get all who listen to it dancing.
|
|
Last
published news features in: "Shopping guides"
|
|
 |
Related pages
|
|
 |
Related products |
| |
 |
|
