5 Original Albums

Very inexpensive set of the core solo albums that the late great Paco de Lucia recorded in the 1970's. These are the LP's that cemented Paco's reputation as the finest flamenco guitarist of our era ( a point that should not be controversial, as virtually every active professional flamenco guitarist echoes it ). The set includes:1) El Duende Flamenco ( 1972 ). 4 of the ten pieces have an orchestral accompaniment ( not hackneyed arrangements, really quite well done ). Of the 6 solo pieces, a few standouts are the beautiful minor key "alegria" ( 'Barrio La Vina' ), an innovative "rondena" ( 'Doblan Campanas' ) and the exciting 'Punta del Faro' ( a "bulerias" with festive encouragement from the flamencos in the studio ).2) Fuente Y Caudal ( 1973 ). Most famous for the surprise hit 'Entre Dos Aguas', which propelled the then 25 year old Paco to stardom ( beyond that of the flamenco sphere ) in Spain and much of Europe. The title tune, a mournfully intense "taranta", is one of Paco's most beautiful creations. Another highlight is an explosive "buleria" ( 'Cepa Andaluza' ) with high energy palmas/jaleo accompaniment.3) El Teatro Real ( 1975 ). This live recording, made on 18 Feb 1975, had an impact in Spain as it was ( apparently ) the first time a flamenco musician had played in the esteemed classical venue located in Madrid. Paco himself later mused that this notoriety was in fact ( I'm paraphrasing) much ado about nothing, as he had played in other classical venues across Europe that had a far greater history than Madrid's Teatro Real. As far the music goes, these are fine solo renditions ( granaina, fandango, solea, but oddly no bulerias ) along with two duets with Paco's older brother, Ramon de Algeciras. As good as the music is, it is the least essential of the five recordings included in this set.4) Almoraima ( 1976 ). I believe this album to be the finest solo work that Paco de Lucia recorded ( 'Luzia' from 1998 is a distant second ) in a career that spanned half a century. 'Almoraima' was a landmark event in flamenco music, paying unprecedented attention (for flamenco) to production values while displaying a number of other unique characteristics. Electric bass and congas are used on portions of almost all the compositions while a mixed choir is deployed on others. Apart from instrumentation, Paco's compositions themselves are much more sophisticated than any he had written up to that time, exhibiting remarkable advances in form and invention. Some of Paco's greatest tunes are featured, many of which he played on tours to the end of his life. "Rio Ancho" is a propulsive, bossa nova style "rumba" with a beautifully expressive melody. The title track, a pulsating "bulerías", is notably Moorish in melodic contour, accentuated by Paco's use of a nylon string "oud" (Arabic lute). The magisterial "Llanos del Real", in the plangent "minera" form, provides a haunting conclusion.5) 'Paco de Lucia Interprets De Falla' ( 1978 ). I get the feeling this album is somewhat underrated, being released precisely between ( * ) the innovative flamenco Paco created with "Almoraima" and the high-flying collaborations Paco had in the early 1980's with jazz musicians such as John McLaughlin and Chick Corea. However, these are very beautifully arranged renditions of Manuel de Falla's pieces (mostly excerpts from the composer's ballets). In Paco's hands these pieces are given earthy yet delicate treatments, emphasizing the strong influence which flamenco music had on Falla. Two pieces on this LP are an early example of Paco's group format ( a Sextet/Septet/Octet ), featuring vocals, flute, electric bass and percussion ( this was in the period before the cajon came to prominence, something that occurred due to Paco's instigation ). This band would be, in various combinations, the main format with which Paco de Lucia would present his flamenco music in concert for the remaining 35 years of his life.[ * it is worthy to point out that Paco's renowned duet with Al Di Meola ( 'Mediterranean Sundance' ) was recorded in October 1976, i.e., before Paco started working on the Falla material ]This box set is particularly useful to people new to Paco's music ( perhaps they are familiar only with the famous guitar trio album, 'Friday Night in SF' ). Granted, it represents only one decade ( the 1970's ) of an amazing musician's work, but it provides a key entry point for those wishing to A) trace Paco's career up through his most recent work and B) to imbibe the peerless creativity of a flamenco musician who was, within his own lifetime, a legend ( a legend that has only grown with his passing in 2014 ).ADDENDUM: for more information on Paco de Lucia, I recommend the biography ( two versions, both in Spanish ) written by Juan Jose Tellez ( the latest version is available in Kindle format ). I am not fluent in Spanish, but I know enough of the written language to discern some sense of poetry as well as detail that Tellez invests in his definitive biography. For a much less comprehensive but nonetheless interesting account ( in English ), read Rusell de Maria's 'Paco de Lucia: My Memories of a Flamenco Legend'. This book covers events that took place ( mainly ) in the 1970's, and contrary to the opinion of some critics, the memoir has the air of authenticity about it: there are several very important, first-hand descriptions of significant points in Paco's career as well an honest account of Paco's sense of humor and friendship ( not to mention his prodigious sexual charisma ). There are also two excellent documentaries: 'Francisco Sanchez' from 2003 and 'La Busqueda' ( 2014, directed by Paco's oldest son ).In terms of information ( in English ) on flamenco music itself, try L. Kevin Coleman's inexpensive work in Kindle format titled 'Flamenco Monographs: Introduction, Early History & Origins'. Mr. Coleman is a very learned aficionado, who spent time playing flamenco guitar professionally in Spain, c. 1972. I also like 'Flamenco...All You Wanted to Know' by Emma Martinez. The author is a professional classical guitarist with a real love of flamenco; she covers ( in as much as one can in a roughly 200 page book ) history, personalities, forms of El Cante/Baile/Toque. Disclosure: both Coleman and Martinez are unabashed admirers of Paco de Lucia, who seems to nettle a certain segment of reviewers, particularly those of the musicological and/or flamenco purist bent. However, Paco de Lucia is that rare musician who ( like J.S. Bach ) can never truly be over-praised; such was the creative intensity of the man ( Francisco Sanchez Gomez ) born of a poor Andalucian family on 21 Dec 1947, who now has a monumental statue of his likeness; the regal head, hands, and guitar of bronze gazing over the sea coast ( 'between two waters' of Mediterranean and Atlantic ) of his native city Algeciras.

There is only one Paco de Lucia. Nobody can play the way he did. There was something magical about him. These recordings are a good sampling of Paco de Lucia's flamenco. No personal musical library should be without them. Sound quality is good in all the recordings. The music? Well, how can you go wrong with this unforgettable guitarist? Good stuff.

Paco De Lucia has been called "the soul of Flamenco." This 5 cd set allows him to expand on that genre. I am so jealous of Iberian who have daily access to such beautiful music across the length and breadth of Spain.

Paco De Lucia ( Dec. 21, 1947 - Feb.25,2014 ) left us too early but left us a legacy of music. I was in the navy and stationed in Spain ,I began to hear all about the various flamenco artists. I bought 3 of Paco's LP's and then bought the cassette tapes. I loved his " Entre Dos Aguas" as well as "Almoriama" and "Interprete Manuel De Falla ". Paco De Lucia was an outstanding Flamenco guitarist and these 5 discs are a testament to this fact. If you love instrumental Flamenco music , then this is the one to buy!!

I purchased this as a gift for a friend who was overjoyed with it.

i saw him in concert, RIP.... and just amazing music to boot.

PACO DE LUCIA LEFT US TO EARLY !!!

I have gotten into flamenco music, this is a little too laid back for my taste

Unos discos que no pueden faltar en casa

Das ist eine wirklich schöne Zusammenstellung früher Alben vom Großmeister des Flamenco. Wer gerne gediegene Gitarrenmusik auf höchstem Niveau genießen möchte, dem sei das Werk von Paco de Lucia wärmstens empfohlen. Für mich unerreicht gut.

ua spesa irrisoria per 5 cd di musica flamenca di primo ordine, deve piacere il genere, di cui Paco de Lucia (buonanima) è stato uno dei massimi esponenti ed innovatore eccezzionale!!! unica pecca le buste in cartoncino sono scomode , per estrarre i cd bisogna metterci sopra le dita, ma a quel prezzo ci sta

Copias exacta s ( portadas frontales y posteriores ) FACXIMILES de los LPs originales, MAS remasterizados los cinco (5) CDs Y a un precio accesible (COSA MUY RARA EN AMAZON MEXICO), hacen de esta colección de los primeros acetatos de Paco de Lucia una verdadera joya para los aficionados a la guitarra y mas a los seguidores del flamenco "moderno" de Paco, vale la pena hacerse de los dos volúmenes, 5 CDs en cada volumen.

This was a gift so I am unable to give a first hand review. However the recipient loves the music (as I thought he would) and listens to the cds frequently.