After years of performing and releasing albums overseas, acclaimed modern flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo achieves stateside recognition with his release Ciudad de las Ideas. While he is accomplished on the fretboard,... more » Amigo takes a decidedly low-key approach on tracks like "Tres Notas Para Decir te Quiero" (with its soothing falsetto singing) and the solo guitar piece "Bolero de Vicente." Through his style, Amigo is able to flesh out his songs with controlled doses of requisite guitar pyrotechnics. (The syrupy strings and mellow guitar of the title track, however, evoke easy listening.) Not everything here is laid back. Two of the songs--the dramatic "Cordoba" (solea) and the initially languid "La Tarde as Caramelo" (alegrias)--build to dramatic crescendos, while "Tata," the album's most energetic cut, features lively brass and bass and a catchy one-word chorus. There's a smoldering romanticism displayed on Ciudad de las Ideas, and the talented Amigo proves he is in command of mood and tone throughout. --Bryan Reesman« less
After years of performing and releasing albums overseas, acclaimed modern flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo achieves stateside recognition with his release Ciudad de las Ideas. While he is accomplished on the fretboard, Amigo takes a decidedly low-key approach on tracks like "Tres Notas Para Decir te Quiero" (with its soothing falsetto singing) and the solo guitar piece "Bolero de Vicente." Through his style, Amigo is able to flesh out his songs with controlled doses of requisite guitar pyrotechnics. (The syrupy strings and mellow guitar of the title track, however, evoke easy listening.) Not everything here is laid back. Two of the songs--the dramatic "Cordoba" (solea) and the initially languid "La Tarde as Caramelo" (alegrias)--build to dramatic crescendos, while "Tata," the album's most energetic cut, features lively brass and bass and a catchy one-word chorus. There's a smoldering romanticism displayed on Ciudad de las Ideas, and the talented Amigo proves he is in command of mood and tone throughout. --Bryan Reesman
"Great/Outstanding CD filled with jazzy/flamenco tunes, a well developed style and scents. Brilliant bass lines by Alfredo Paixao."
Easy rumba
A. Koenig | 06/11/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Music, like movies, should be evaluated on the basis of their intent... Vicente Amigo has come out with a very good collection of romantic rumba background music, a kind of flamenco lite. He's an excellent guitarist, and he has succeeded. Any serious musicologists (or wannabes) who compare this with Sabicas or "pure" flamenco (whatever that is) are barking up the wrong tree. By the way, the "real" gypsies I know listen to Cher, Prince, and Mexican hiphop, along with all the rumberos on the radio. Sabicas, Camaron, and Elvis are wonderful, but they are dead. So, wake up and smell the jasmine."
Out of this world!!!
Tom Öhling | Helsinki, Finland | 03/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This artist, Vicente Amigo, is amazig. I have all his CD:s and think he is a brilliant flamenco guitarist and composer. One of the best ever. Especially this CD is out of this world! Very interesting and refreshing tunes. If you are feeling sad and blue, listen to "Vicentes Bolero". All your worries will fade away. GUARANTEED! BRAVO!!!"
Haunting and Soulful
A. Koenig | Alaska | 05/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vicente Amigo really gets the job done here. Technically unbelievable, solid compas, intruiging. My son and I were admiring the tune Tata, it is as close to heavy metal as flamenco can go. With the interplay of palmas, guitar and cante, WOW! If you like Paco, you will like this albumn - no, check that, you will love it!"
Fairly good
A. Koenig | 04/26/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"for those whom expected to hear the tunes of the
traditional flamenco music, please take a few minutes
and listen to thesamples before you confirm your purchase.
this CD adds a new blend to the concept of flamenco, not
typically my type, but it is worth listening, specially
the 1st and 8th track, that is, "Tres Notas Para Decir Te
Quiero" and "Bolero de Vicente"."