Its very difficult to write about this album with my meager vocabulary without running short on superlatives. So instead of repeating myself throughout this review, I'll ask you, the reader, simply to insert a superlative to every possible point, using the full range of flattering adjectives you have at your disposal.

With that said, I'd like to note that although the album is listed under the genre "Jazz instrument", it could quite as well be described as world music (Spanish). However, whether you like jazz or not, and whether you like world music or not is inconsequential: you would have to be deaf not to be captivated by this album.

The album features Paco De Lucia playing guitar, which he does with the level of brilliance and virtue as to have convinced many that he is the greatest guitar-prodigy alive (or at least among the top handful). You will notice him when he gets going - there aren't many people who can move their fingers on the strings like that...

As the name of the band implies, Paco is hardly alone on the album - to help him work up the frenzy of the live audience, he has a brilliant (there I go with the adjectives again.... Rest assured, I'm trying to keep it to the minimum...) band playing with him:

Ramon De Algeciras guitar,
Carlos Benavent electric bass guitar,
Pepe De Lucia vocalist/rhythm guitar,
Jorge Pardo flute/soprano saxophone and
Rubem Dantas percussion.

Pepe De Lucia and Ramon De Algeciras are actually Paco's brothers, and from the album you can hear that talent really seems to run in the family.

Pepe handles the vocals when vocals are called for - his singing, being reminiscent of The Gypsy Kings, brings an exotic flavour to the album and strengthens the Spanish atmosphere.

Now it's time to turn the volume way up, close your eyes and enjoy.... (On a second thought, maybe you should keep your eyes open for a while yet, as it will make reading on a bit easier.)


The tracks

Plenque

This strong first track starts slowly with guitars and sounds from the expectant crowd - the electric bass guitar adds it's flavour, and the acoustic guitars make a few promising "strikes" to get your attention. Out comes Pepe with a sudden burst of his emotive voice - short-lived, this is again followed by instrumental sections, brilliant guitar work, and the flute coming in to perfect the first impression. The singing resumes later, alternating with spine-tingling instrumental work, setting the stage for the vocals to penetrate your mind again... The song evolves as it goes along, preparing for the fast and furious finale. A great first track, but only a promise of what is to come next.


Alta Mar

As if providing a serene oasis, this song starts with a slow and beautiful moment of rest from the fury of the first song. What to follow is an intro-part dominated by the electric bass guitar (the guitar intro was composed by John McLaughlin, another top guitarist). The intro ends in the sudden joining in of the acoustic guitars, along with appropriate applause from the audience... from there on it's pure joy - Paco builds up a real guitar frenzy, flashing real virtuous brilliance at points. The sax joins in, and engages Paco in a competition - near the end of this duel of virtue, and nearing the end of the impressive 11 and a half minute track, Paco reaches such finger-numbing mania as to boggle the mind. This is my favourite track on the album, and sends shivers down my spine every time. It is also the best I've ever heard from Paco (or any other guitarist for that matter). A true, rare gem.


Solo Quiero Caminar

The third track calms things down again, starting with a relaxing guitar line - still, seasoned by the experience of the first songs, you feel yourself waiting on the edge of your seat for the moment of explosion... This time it builds up slower, and reaches a satisfying moment with the flute coming in, and then again Pepe, whose voice was absent from the second track. This song has a wonderful exotic mood to it - listen to it on a hot summer day and you can easily fall into daydreams of a Spanish holiday... And the joy continues...


Chiquito

The flute starts this one, with only a few careful hints of guitar early on - after the intro, the full band comes in in an ominous atmosphere, receiving applause from the crowd, the guitars continue, and mingle with the flute, with the electric bass filling up the sound-scape on the background. Guitars work well here, but early on the center stage is given to the flute. like Alta Mar this is an instrumental, and features no vocals. Impressive, the quality you've come to expect from this band already once you've listened this far. Towards the end, Paco captures your attention again with his brilliant guitar talents.


Gitanos Andaluces

The last song on the album, this again begins with the flute. Guitars quickly come in, inspiring a few "Olé!"'s from the crowd. The atmosphere is magnificent - this is one live performance I would have loved to be there to witness. Pepe joins the fray, singing in his strong emotive voice. Only about five and a half minutes of this, and you'll have to leave behind your daydreams of exotic holidays, as the cheers of the audience slowly fade out...


Conclusion

You have got to hear this album. Its as simple as that - no more to say really.


Recommended: Yes