Recorded live in 1993 when Paco de Lucia was touring with his sextet, this is real artistry. De Lucia
has never been afraid to push the boundaries of flamenco, and with his
sextet he does just that. The music is moved by the spirit of the
tradition, but never constrained by it.
Like his show, the music builds,
as he begins solo on "Mi Niño Curro," then other members join him
before it all culminates in a gloriously grinning "Buana Buana King
Kong." There's plenty of well-known de Lucia material here, like
"Zyryab" and "Tio Sabas," but on-stage there's more freedom to stretch
out than in the studio.
That he's been influenced by his work with other
guitarists is apparent in his approach, which sometimes takes on the
colors of a jazz-flamenco fusion. But there are still plenty of moments
of duende, the transcendence that's all important in flamenco. And time
and time again, de Lucia effortlessly proves he's the world's greatest
living flamenco guitar player, with ideas, runs, and shifts that stagger
the imagination.
About the only fault to find with this album is that
it's not long enough.
Personnel: Carlos Benavent (bass, mandolin) Rubem Dantasd (percussion) Ramon De Algeciras (guitar) Paco De Lucia (guitar) Pepe De Lucia (vocals) Jorge Pardo (saxophone, flute) Manolo Soler (percussion)
Tracklist: 01. Mi Nino Curro (De Lucia) 8.31 02. La Bqarrosa (De Lucia) 8.54 03. Alcazar De Sevilla (De Lucia/De Lucia/Lencero/Amador) 8.54 04. Peroche (De Lucia/Benavent/Pardo/Canizares) 6.28 05. Tio Sabas (De Lucia) 6.34 06. Sonquete (De Lucia) 6.49 07. Zyryab (De Lucia) 12.53 08. Buana Buana King Kong (De Lucia/De Lucia)
