Search - Antonio Carmona :: Vengo Venenoso

Flamenco Fusion from a popular Spanish singer

Film Fan | Houston, Tx. United States | 04/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My sister purchased this CD for me on a trip to Spain, because it wasn't available in the U.S. at that time. After its release, it became the top-selling CD in Spain for a while. It's great to see that Amazon has it in stock now.



Antonio Carmona is a very talented gitano (gypsy) singer/musician from Granada, Spain. He rose to popularity in the flamenco fusion group known as Ketama, which was composed of family members. According to flamenco aficionados, he is one of the best percussionists in that genre, known for his prowess on the cajón. He is in great demand as both a singer and percussionist, and he plays on many other artists' albums.



On this, his first solo CD, he plays the guitar and sings a variety of beautiful songs. On some songs, he sings duets with other popular Spanish performers. The absolute best for me is "Para Que Tu No Llores" with the international pop star Alejandro Sanz (I am also a fan of Sanz). However, there are other notable duets, such as "Ay de Ti" with the popular Spanish hip-hop/rap artist Mala Rodriguez.



I like every song on the album, and I would recommend it highly to anyone who likes flamenco fusion or flamenco pop. At 13.99, it's a deal; my sister had to pay about 22 U.S. dollars for it in Spain."

Life After Ketama

Juan Mobili | Valley Cottage, NY USA | 11/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I already wondering if anyone will stumble into this review. A pity, really, when you think of the music they may never find out about which is available in this album. Carmona, best known for his leading role in Ketama, did well to have Gustavo Santaolalla produce his solo album; together they've woven haunting, ragged and sensual sound, where each song gets what it needs to rock or move.



Great songs abound. Ay De Ti is just a perfect song--flamenco, pop & hip/hop all in the right places--and Puerto Moruno rocks, part Spanish and part Argentine. Also Se Amarra El Pelo, Vengo Venenoso and Para Que Tu No Llores are standouts. What Carmona has accomplished here is to push the boundaries of New Flamenco to his own idea of powerful global music."