The Varied and Vibrant Music of Modern Spain
Dr. Debra Jan Bibel | Oakland, CA USA | 10/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While the Spanish flamenco and rumba rhythms have become popular influences in world music, including in Egypt and the Near East, and the Congo maintains its rumba origins, what is happening in Spanish popular music of today? Putumayo answers that question with an enjoyable anthology of contemporary songs from Spain. The traditional rhythms are represented. but we also hear mergers with rock, Latin jazz, Caribbean reggae, and Colombian cumbia. With the expection of one Basque ballad, all selections are up tempo. Throughout, the Spanish national idiom or flavor persists, with each song a representative type of Spain's regions. This very fine album demonstates the richly varied and vibrant musics present in Spain. Music today is certainly global, with national styles criss-crossing the planet. My appetite is whetted, and I look forward to more dedicated songs of Spain in Putumayo's Café, Acoustic, Groove, and Lounge series. Huzzah to Putumayo for yet another grand and happy collection!"
Trans-Iberian Orchestra
Amaranth | Northern California | 10/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Espana" is a fitting sequel to the previous Putumayo Presents: Italia As "Italia" sheds light on lesser known Italian singer-songwriters, so does "Espana" shows there's more to Spain than flamenco. Spain is a wondrously diverse country--it's the homeland of El Greco, Velazquez, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Goya, Ferran Adria, Gaudi. It is the home of the enigmatic Basque, and spiritual giants like Teresa of Avila, Ignatius of Loyola and John of the Cross. "Espana" gives a tantalizing 40 minute taste of the country. It even includes a Basque bread pudding recipe. A portion of the profits benefits Oxfam in promoting fair trade.
"Espana" opens with the classic flamenco of Peret. The group Gertrudis has a peppy song about a witch burnt at the stake. Strangely joyful, considering the topic. DePedro,who hails from Peru, blends Southwestern styles with Spanish ones. There's the gentle acoustic style of Burguitos in his love song. Calima's "Lunita" is enigmatic and entrancing. Gossos' "Corren" is Spanish rock. El Combolinga blends Colombian cumbia with Spanish rumba... after all Colombia, like Peru, traces its musical roots to Spain. Uxia's "Danza Ritual" weaves together Galician music with the tarantella. It's one of the highlights of the compilation (along with "Lunita") Xabier Lete adds a contemporary flavor to a traditional Basque song. Gecko Turner provides the reggae track. The closing track is from the musical collective Biella Nuei from Aragon. It's a tantalizingly brief instrumental with a Celtic flavor (sort of like the whole compilation)
"Espana" is like a delicious plate of tapas. It's a sweet and savory assortment, and one wants more! "Espana" is a flavorful journey through on the Iberian peninsula."
In a single word...Excellent!!
traveler | LaPorte, IN | 10/03/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of Putumayo's best yet! It is on a par with "Italian Odyssey" in that it gives a true feel for the musical diversity of this wonderful country. It is not flamenco; nouveau or otherwise, it is not straight rumba, salsa or samba (It's uniquely SPANISH). It shows the evolution of so many great musical styles and is never boring. On othe r"world" music cd's, there are some clunkers on there that are almost inevitable and unavoidable. When you are trying to compile music for an audience who may or may not be familiar with the language or customs of the featured country/region/genre, it is a daunting task. This cd flows beautifully.. This is definitely going to get a lot of play. I think a shuffle mix of this, "Greece", "Mediterranean Odyssey" and "Congo to Cuba" will make a great playlist. It is modern without being weird, traditional enough to be respectful. It's about time Spain has been featured by this great company.
Putumayo as a label has done more to familiarize people with world music, I think, than any other single force in modern music.
Definitely a home run for Putumayo. Well Done!!"