Search - Diego El Cigala :: Undebel

Cigala's first!

sagebrusher | 07/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since so many people are crazy about Lagrimas Negras, some might be wondering about this, Cigala's only other cd currently available on Amazon. Half of the songs are more traditional flamenco palos (bulerias, fandangos, martinete, etc) and the other songs are more like flamenco influenced, mixed with pop but fresh and memorable. Diego's voice is younger here, but he already sounds really good and the material is strong overall. You can tell he has big ears and is interested in trying things out, testing the air, ready to stretch his wings. There's lots of stars, really his friends, playing with him here: Paquete, Negri and Ardilla (who produced it) from Barberia del Sur, Chaboli and Bandolero on percussion, and Tomatito on one cut.



I think his next album, Entre Vareta y Canasta, from 2000, is Cigala's masterpiece so far. More stripped down, more flamenco, his voice stronger, more fearless, more commanding, more menacing, more melismatic. Fantastic. This is the record to get.



There are also many highlights on his other two cds. Teatro Real (2002) is a live recording with just him and his guitarist Nino Josele. On Corren Tempos de Alegria (2001) he recorded with Bebo Valdes for the first time. The front cover of this cd, with Cigala sitting on a gold throne wearing a white ruffled shirt under a black suit with Adidas, a fluffy "Milhouse" dog at his feet, and that expression on his face, is pure genius. This is probably the best cover art on a flamenco cd since Ray Heredia's album."