5 Original Albums Vol 2

This is an inexpensive set of five albums ( Vol. 2 in what seems to be an ongoing series of compilations ) that the late great flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia (1947-2014) recorded in the period from 1981-1993. The set includes two live works ( 1984 and 1993 ) with his working group along with three landmark studio albums that demonstrated Paco's highly influential style of playing and composition. "SIROCO" (1987) in particular showcased an approach to harmony and rhythm that set the template for the contemporary flamenco "swing" ( "soniquete" ) exemplified in current players such as Diego del Morao, Dani de Moron, and Antonio Rey. Indeed, it is not too much to say that Paco de Lucia re-made the flamenco guitar in his image; the aforementioned LP's further cemented his 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 ) and without doubt one of the two greatest innovators ( the first being *Ramon* Montoya ) in the history of the flamenco guitar.This compilation contains:"SOLO QUIERO CAMINAR" (1981), which was recorded fresh on the heels of Paco's world tour with the now famous "Guitar Trio" (Paco, John McLaughlin & Al Di Meola). Several tunes feature his newly formed group (Paco de Lucía Sextet), an ensemble (guitars, vocals, flute/sax, electric bass, percussion) overwhelmingly influential in the new flamenco blossoming throughout Spain in the 1980's. The title track is a "tangos" with the moving melismatic singing of Paco's brother, Pepe de Lucia. "Palenque" opens up some improvisatory interplay (nice sax solo by Jorge Pardo) while the ingenious "Monasterio de Sal" is duet between Paco and bassist Carlos Benevant. "Chanela" has Paco playing lightning fast "picado" lines and complex Brazilian chords to the grooving congas of Rubem Dantas. The passionate "Piñonate" is "flamenco puro", Paco's "tocando por bulerías" at an all-out level of fiesta intensity."SIROCO" (1987) was another pioneering effort, borne both of Paco's intensely deep reflection and knowledge of "flamenco puro" plus his experiences with jazz musicians such as Chick Corea and John McLaughlin. The mastery displayed on this album is simply staggering- in terms of technical virtuosity, harmonic innovation, and emotional expression, or rather all of these elements combined, this recording remains without question the Everest of flamenco guitar playing and a template for the artists playing today. The one downside ( and perhaps too much of a nitpick ) is the excess of reverb in the sound of the recording."ZYRAB" (1990), less ambitious than its lofty predecessor, was pieced together in somewhat haphazard fashion as a melange of differing styles. Nonetheless, it contains quite a bit of good music. "Tio Sabas" is Paco's moving tribute ("por tarantas") to the legendary maestro Sabicas while "Soniquete" is yet another incredible "bulerías", bristling with new ideas. "Compadres" is a tightly woven duet with Paco's great contemporary, Manolo Sanlúcar, and the title track (a "fusion" piece with Arabic overtones) features Chick Corea on piano. "Playa del Carmen" is an infectious "rumba" performed by the Sextet. There is even a romantic popular piece (synthesized string accompaniment) entitled "Canción de Amor" ( the melody is based on his friend Chick Corea's "Duende" ).As far as the two live albums go, I prefer 'LIVE IN AMERICA' from 1993, especially Paco's opening solo set ( I was in the audience at the Paramount Theater in Oakland and vividly remember Paco's astonishing solo Rondeña ). Oddly enough, the group portion of all of Paco's officially released live recordings ( including the 2010 set not included in this compilation ) seem comparatively lackluster when contrasted with various performances found in the voluminous video footage now available on the internet.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 SAN FRANCISCO' ). Granted, it represents only twelve years out of a full half century of an amazing musician's career, but it provides ( especially via the studio albums ) a key entry point for those wishing to: A) imbibe the peerless creativity of a flamenco musician who was, within his own lifetime, a legend and B) to locate the 'starting point' for the current crop of talented flamenco guitarists following in Paco's wake.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.

Excellent Cd collection, and hard to find. And a great deal too for 5 albums. Arrived sooner than expected. Will probably buy more for friends. Good gift.

Capitolazione della mente

I was disappointed in the selection of material in these CDs. Paca de luca is fantastic guitarist but the five albums do not show his great virtuosity as they are too similar.

5 álbuns a um preço incontornável. Depois, Paco es Paco!

Wunderbar.