Search - Camaron de la Isla :: Antologia Inedita

Camaron rarities

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 01/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arguably flamenco's finest singer, who died prematurely in 1992, Camaron de la Isla was more than a singer; he was at the vanguard of flamenco. This recording of live material covers his short yet illustrious career. Many songs from his landmark "La Leyenda del Tiempo" are featured here , some in alternate recording mode. Included from "La Leyenda del Tiempo" are the title track (twice), "Homenaje a Federico","Viejo Mundo" and "Nana del Caballo Grande" which all of their individual special qualities. The use of sitar by Gualberto on " Nana del Caballo Blanco" gives the mournful song a world music flair unheard of in the seventies. "Homenaje a Federico" is a rare alternate find that was found in a drawer and presented here. The two dazzling performances of "Leyenda del Tiempo" are nothing short of spectacular. Each version is slightly different but each is a fusion masterpiece including elements of jazz and rock. Of particular note is Camaron playing at the tender age of sixteen accompanied by himself on guitar playing for a private gathering. There is a certain romanticism to the three songs featured from this private performance;it is a bare bones recording and the intimate ambience comes through. His vocals at age sixteen are quite remarkable to have such passion and depth at such an early age. The depth of flamenco music usually is associated with the life experiences that result in bulerias and fandangos that are highly charged emotionally.His colloborations with Tomatito are featured on seven tracks for some amazing historical recordings. Curiously enough their is a beautiful picture of Paco de Lucia and Camaron decked out on hoseback but there are no Paco colloborations featured here. Some of his last recordings are featured including "Camino de la Algaba" and "Camaron en Montilla" taken from 1989 and 1990 that features a more mature sounding voice. The live recording of "Camaron en Montilla" features a give and take between audience and artist that explodes throughout the song. If you have never heard Camaron de la Isla this would be as good as any place to begin as it is a retrospective of sorts covering the years 1967-1990. However, don't miss the landmark disc "Leyenda del Tiempo." Camaron was an amazing talent that left us his music but left this planet much too soon; Camaron lives on on these recordings for future generations. The accompanying booklet is attractive and filled with anecdotes, photographs in black and white and color, unfortunately, the written word is in Spanish only. If you like flamenco you will love this disc; it is pure , essential and vital music for the flamenco aficionado."