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

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