Your latest reviews - Ea : Mediterranean canciones
Add EA! to the list of groups exploring the fusion of flamenco with pop, jazz and other idioms. All the while EA! stays close enough to it's roots in flamenco to create an interesting, yet different sound from other notables such Ketama or Songhai. What sets this disc apart from others is the fine vocals by Pilar "La Monica," whose rootsy vocals are steeped deep in tradition. A few songs are more pop than anything else but the vast majority are a balanced fusion that is bound by flamenco and hence sounds very authentic. The flamenco guitar does not dominate this sound, there is alot going on here, a beautiful collage of music is the result. Hailing from the shores of Cadiz, this Spanish group can flutuate from song to song, from light and airy jazz tinged music, to thick and dense flamenco captured in the essence of lead vocalist "La Monica." The instruments used to help create the jazzy sound is the incorporation of flute and double bass into the mix. With the addition of harmoica, viola, rain stick and non flamenco guitar you have a sound that is modern, classic aand innovative. One of my favorite tracks is when "La Monica" takes a break from lead vocals and guitarist Juan Madrera lends his masculine voice to a love poem written by Miguel Hernandez. The song, "Maria" is lovely and captures the essence of this group with it's various instruments blending perfectly. Other personal faves include "Tango de la Isla" where Pilar sounds very much like a gitana as her vocals dig deep into her roots. Her unmistakable vocals shine as well on "Corraleras" with her call and responce interaction with the other band members, creating the classic gitano sound, puntuated by her rapid vocals which are matched only by the hand clapping. "Voy a Viajar" is a haunting, mesmerizing number that echoes the past, present and future. The group includes the North African influences in "Sahara" where the Arabic influences permeate the song. Considering that this is only their second release, it is fair to assume that the best is yet to come from this group of Spanish musicians. A very good addition to the broadening list of nuevo flamenco artists coming from the Iberian peninsula. Another bonus is the excellent booklet, that is bilingual for those that like the music but don't understand Spanish. Try this CD if you like the new style of flamenco based music that continues to mature and evolve.