Paco de Lucía

Whether or not you like the movie (I do) you'll certainly want to order the soundtrack immediately after seeing the film. It would have been an entirely different movie with different music. Assuming you like gorgeous, lilting guitars and Spanish & Gypsy jazz, you couldn't possibly be disappointed. FYI, one of my favorite pieces on the soundtrack ("Big Brother") can also be found on a recording by the artist: Gypsy Rumble, the new release from The Stephane Wremble Trio with special guest David Grisman. Not only is Wremble a phenomenal guitarist but if you don't know about David Grisman, you haven't heard just how hard a mandolin can swing. [The Insert-A-Product link couldn't or wouldn't find it, even though it is here on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Rumble-Stephane-Wrembel-Trio/dp/B001GZ6Q60/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1226549383&sr=1-1] Enjoy!

After seeing the movie, I had to check out the soundtrack to keep the romantic vibe from the movie going! I was not disappointed! Great music, all different and yet it all works.

I was hooked from the opening song of the movie, and ordered the cd as soon as I got home. If you love Spanish Catalan music, go for it!

This CD runs the gamut in terms of musical stylings - everything from classical guitar to a funky, off-key 90's kind of sound. If your tastes run to the extremes you'll most likely enjoy this CD. For me personally, I enjoy half of the songs. Listening to a sample of every song on the CD will give you a good idea of the eclectic content.

Why are all these reviews about a BB King cd? This space is for reviewing the soundtrack from the movie "Vicky Cristina
Barcelona".

I don't speak Spanish so I don't understand the lyrics but I love the melodies. Lots of guitar and very well played. I recommend the soundtrack and the movie also.

This is by far on of the finest guitar albums of all times. It is a must for any player or fan of guitar music. These are three of the best players all together.

You would be hard pressed to find a more technically spectacular acoustic guitar project. Linking up three of the worlds greatest would have virtually guaranteed critical success, but the varying compositions and techniques employed at such a constant pace ensures listeners you are indeed listening to the world's best-combined. All one can say in offense is that the skill level is just too high, compounding musical ideas into an almost overwhelming proficiency at turns.

They are all wonderful acoustic recordings. In my humble opinion this is the best of the set. The Paco, Al, and John synergy is hard to surpass.

This cd is a wonderful release by three of the top Jazz guitarists in the world. John McLaughlin, Al Dimeola, and Paco de Lucia combine their talents to create a compelling, fast paced acoustic bossa nova tinged jazz record. Each song features elegant riffing and frenetic runs up and down the fretboard. This music is lightning captured on disc, and it makes for a sizzling instrumental masterpiece. 5 stars easy!

I'm sorry to all the people who've praised this album so far, this was the only album (of the ones that I've owned) by ANY of the three great guitarists that I gave away for free. For those who enjoy the Azzura and Beyond the Mirage renditions found on this album, I can assure you that there exists a better version of each on Al Di Meola's "The Infinite Desire" album ... don't believe me, just go out and listen to this cd. As for Paco De Lucia, with the realease of "Cositas Buenas" he returns to playing the style that he was born for, and to me that is much more rewarding than hearing him on this cd trying to showcase his ability to go hand in hand with the other two guitarists ... quite frankly he's in a league of his own when it comes to the
guitar! As for John McLaughlin he's more mainstream than the other three ... yeah he has more of those over sappy lovey dovy tunes that corrupted North American music throughout his albums. To me he belongs with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, George Lynch ... the G3 style of guitarists. As good as he is technically, I don't think he's on par with the other two guitarists on this album. Sorry for the directness, it's how I felt about this album! That's why it was an easy give-away.

This is a classic. Terrific guitar and a clear haunting melody. Great disk.

Like most classical lovers, I had a decent recording (that got a Penguin rosette) of this concerto and had heard it numerous times on radio. Somehow I never felt this concerto has been played to its full potential. When I hear Paco de Lucia, I am glad someone finally did it full justice. In Flamenco, in jazz or in classical, Paco de Lucia's musicianship always touches heart and souls. I am not surprised that the composer himself calls this the greatest performance of the concerto, and I can't think of why any classical guitar lover wouldn't want to own this CD.

I've heard a number of versions of this Rodrigo piece. Paco plays it with the most fire, and it's apparent that Joaquin Rodrigo also enjoyed it. It's also important to know that most classical players take sometimes up to a year to prepare this piece for performance. Paco, who doesn't read music, prepared it in two weeks. Amazing.

This piece, sadly, has been played to death. Paco de Lucia gives a decent performance. Those above who sing his praises should keep in mind that it's a concerto and a collaborative effort among the guitarist, a conductor, and the orchestra. Also keep in mind that Paco's greatest asset is his nimble fingers. Do you suppose he could get the whole concerto down to under 5 minutes? Would you enjoy it if he did?

I was enchanted with this piece when I first heard it 40 years ago. Nowadays I avoid listening to it.

I grew up listening to the version of Aranjuez played by John Williams as it was one of my father's favourite pieces of music and became one of my own. I thought Williams version was stunning but now having listened to Aranjuez played by Paco de Lucia, Paco brings something extra to the music, an Andalucian understanding, a flamenco spirit, and such incredible technique, lightening fast fingers that melt into a blur.

All in all, the spirit in which the music is played, in comparison makes Williams superb interpretation appear dull and robotic. This is surely how Rodrigo intended his concerto to be played.

Paco de Lucia is an absolute genius and is to my mind without equal as the world's best guitarist. If you've never heard of Paco de Lucia before, you could do a lot worse than begin your discovery with this album.

This CD is NOT Flamenco! I'm not sure exactly what to call it, but it is not Flamenco. And half the time the guy hits some really off-key notes. I would not recommend this CD to anyone. If you want to hear some great guitar music by someone who knows how to play the guitar, try music by the guitarist known as Pavlo.

Great anthology, althouh if you want to stay true to it you should get both cd's, they are both amazing. Paco's blessed hands are hard at work in this compilation from previous albums, a great way to start a de Lucia collection. Make sure you get LUZIA and SIROCO too!!

Largely considered the finest Flamenco Guitarist on his generation, (possibly ever), this is some of the most affecting beautiful composed music I've heard in recent times. Paco's ability to carry a song with just his guitar and the most subtle of backing musicians is quite awe-inspiring. He moves from complex delicate guitar rhythmic arrangements, to furiously intense rapid fire passages that will almost certainly invoke an response of complete awe & admiration for what he does better than anyone else. This is an Anthology of (a Limited 2 Cd version) that complies his two `Antologia' albums into 2 disks (1 disk for each Anthology), and for a double album that weights in at over 24 tracks, you'd think that you'd have had your fill of Contemporary Flamenco, way before then....but you'd be wrong, spreading the listening experience a disk at a time (over 2 days) not only left me with an unquenchable thirst for more of his work, but has that astute honour of being the most remarkable album, I've heard for sometime, and that's with some truly exceptional competition, utter genius. And it should also be noted that this is a perfect introduction into Paco's sublime music if your new to this particular artist.

Paco de Lucia's anthology edited by Uni/Polygram Latino consists of two volumes (one CD per volume) comprehending a varied number of themes from the different stages of the virtuoso modern flamenco guitarist and composer. Please allow me to cover both volumes in one review. Considering Paco's long career and extensive material I have to admit that the compilation was done with excellent taste and offers great value. Although the material is aimed to those listeners who probably don't own any of De Lucia's albums or just a few recordings, nevertheless, they managed to include a good selection of many of Paco's main modern compositions -in my opinion where his value is- that he still plays today during his many tours. Among them: "Solo Quiero Caminar", "Rio Ancho", "Zyryah", "Tio Sabas", "Chiquito", and "Entre Dos Aguas". In addition, the album includes some of the older and more traditional pieces as well as some from earlier recordings, and a movement from the "Concierto de Aranjuez" (live recording by Paco with orchestra). Something inside tells me that he ideal anthology that would have made justice to De Lucia would definitely have been two double CDs with more live material and collaboration efforts with Al Dimeola and John Mc Laughling. But, again this is an opportunity to own many or most of his best at a convenient price in two separate volumes. If you really are starting to listen to Paco De Lucia I recommend you start with Volume 2 as I think the material introduces better the different moods of the artist and allows you to better sense his musical evolution. If you then want more go for Vol. 1 to complete Paco's main repertoire, and/or get "Luzia" (his last release), simply because today he is playing better than ever. Paco changed the sound and the depth of Flamenco and of Spain's modern music not by playing strange noises, crazy effects, or soloing out of tune, but by adding alternatives and expanding the music scales and improvising over the rigid structure of traditional Flamenco and Spanish music. Thank you Paco for allowing the Sapnish folklore and sentiment to grow.

[....] This CD is one of the best in my collection. Paco de Lucia is able to bring out emotion from a guitar that no one else is equal to. Every one of the selections are superb - full of passion and emotion.

While I may not be classically "trained" in music, I have a pretty good ear for good tunes, and have always been drawn by the mystique and romance of flamenco and spanish guitar music, and personally, this was pretty awful. I'm not really one to call someone a "master" at what they do just because they try things others haven't. Just because others haven't "tried" instrumental pairings or different tempos that Paco has does not make him a musical genius. As far as flamenco goes, Ramon Montoya, despite subpar recordings due to the era he recorded in presumably, and guitarist Sabas embarrass this guy. I don't see how other reviewers can even compare Paco to the aforementioned two artists. Paco seems to get into fits and starts where he pauses (for effect?!?), then strums furiously for 2 seconds, takes another breather, and then strums some more and repeats. His tempo, in my opinion, is very slow and boring. Give it a listen before purchasing would be my best advice, because for me, the only thing Paco's albums would be good for is defeating insomnia. Cheers!

This is just a beautiful album from one of the finest musicians I have ever heard. The coupling of such sensitivity and technical finesse make this an album one I can listen to time and time again, year after year, and never tire of it.

You will listen a real soul of Spain with other influences, Paco de Lucia is not only a great guitar player but he is more, is music is great and this cd is full of great moments of different flamenco.....

I found this album while searching for spanish flamenco guitar music and was not disappointed. Since then, I've heard other flamenco guitarists and De Lucia stands alone. His strings sound like rubber as he gracefully, yet powerfully, plays in delicate bursts that still leave me astounded by the enchanted beauty of espana. Every now and then there will come a guitar phrase that blows my mind and this was just what I was looking for. This feeling doesn't stick with me, though. I'm not in Spain and De Lucia is a somewhat cheesy for my taste, but he's probably one of the very best.

Not the best Paco in my opinion. You can pass on this one and not miss too much.

The music on this record would be great on the any format but with the clarity and dynamic range of the SACD you can really appreciate the virtuosity of these three players.

This SACD is one of my favorites.

The first time I tried to listen to this recording, I had to stop after the first cut, "Mediterranean Sundance/Rio Ancho." I was literally breathless from the experience! DiMeola and DeLucia sounded like they were in my living room (I love SACD!), and playing like they had never done before. Every time I listen, I am breathless, and sit listening with a big smile on my face.

The rest of the SACD is equally amazing, with great performances by McLaughlin (one of my all-time favorites), DeLucia and DiMeola.

The sound quality on this SACD is wonderful, and the performances really bring out the best in this format. Many of my live SACDs don't really do justice to the performance, but "Friday Night" is highly recommended as an example of how wonderful an SACD can sound.

Dito to everything I read. I realise most people are clueless to what all this is but when I play it for them they marvel. I aggree the industry should know the difference and at least give us the imformation we need to decide on our purchaces. I'm selling CD's left and write to make way for more sa and dvd audio. If the idiots writng the reviews are this stupid I am available and would increase sales so much the corperate winnies would pee themselves.

Undoubtedly one of my favorite recordings in SACD format, I only wish there was video as well, because it would be great. These gentlemen truly understand the music and their improvisational skills are fantastic, as they're able to play along with each other and the audience, the latter which seems to be thouroughly ecstatic. Unfortunately this is not a hybrid recording, which means if you want to transfer it to a portable device or play it in your car, it requires tremendous effort.

This is a great performance. My review is mostly based on the fact that this is a stereo SACD, not multichannel. I am learning more about SACD every day, but was very disappointed that it is only presented in stereo.

Along the flamenco there have been emblematic figures - specially along these last two decades - but all these have a common debt with Paco de Lucia, the gladiator, the herald the master musician of ravishing virtuosity and unequalled style.

It's absolutely impossible not to be engaged after listening him from the first bars.

Don't miss this album.

This CD exceeded my high expectations. Highlights for me are the title track, Monasterio de Sal, Punta Umbria, La Nina de Puerta Oscura (amazing!), and El Vito, but all of the songs are good. I've definitely got to buy some more of his CD's.

This is one of Paco de Lucia most poplar albums among modern Spanish guitar listeners. It's also a great place to start listening to De Lucia as the CD offers samples form both new and traditional Flamenco, plus other Spanish rhythms. Eight themes from De Lucia and six interpretations from other authors, among which we can distinguish two themes from the Spanish poet and also composer Federico García Lorca. "Entre Dos Aguas" is probably De Lucia's greatest hit world-wide. The success of this composition was an unexpected surprise to De Lucia as it was the last theme to be recorded and was composed as the group improvised and played in order to fill album space. "Rio Ancho" is a well known theme from De Lucia's trio efforts with Dimeola and Mc Laughing. The version recorded in this CD is the complete original version. De Lucia's guitar playing can be easily distinguished from the rest of the group's guitarists and his soloing will stand out from most of the world's wood guitar and nylon string players. De Lucia has added a great deal to the Flamenco music style and managed to grow further into the art of improvisation which lead him to enter into a fusion of styles and rhythms. This album specifically is closer to modern or nouveaux flamenco with very few moments of fusion, however if you understand about guitar playing you will appreciate that De Lucia's solos use tonalities and scales that are adventurous and challenging to the traditional player In summary, this album is a collection of different compositions and does not bear a defined style or a one music concept like De Lucia's last CD "Luzia". Nevertheless, the material is excellent and the instrument playing and ambience is superb. Flamenco music has a unique flavour and represents a life style. De Lucia is a main representative of this art and culture.

I'm a long time fan of flamenco music, but this is my first experience with Paco Delucia. This disk is an enjoyable mixture of nuevo and traditional. Paco's reditions of Mantilla de Feria and Panaderos Flamencos may not be as exciting as those recorded in the mid-1950's on the RCA label by Esteban DeSanlucar, but the memories they rekindled made the CD worth its price.

I came to love flamenco by being friends with flamenco students of Juan Serrano. They led me to this artist and to this CD in particular. It is a wonderful introduction to Paco and the music of flamenco. Though some argue that he is a herectic for his fusion of other instruments and genres of music with flamenco the combination is well worth the effort.

I just saw him in the San Francisco Jazz festival and it was worth every damn penny to see him in concert from the orchestra pit. For those who are curious he plays just as clean in concert as on CD which says something for a time period that sees more studio magic than live performance.

Later when you have fallen in love be sure to get his collaborative CDs with Camaron de la Isla (yes, it is shrimp of the island) there is raw fire in those albums.

great music unfortunatly way too much singing.i buy these albums for the guitar playing not the singing.

Went to the performance in Neve Zohar, Israel (October 2007) and afterwards wanted to buy a CD as close to what I heard as I could. This CD isn't it: it doesn't have the melodious flute (?) or the various percussions, and is less instrumental as such. This CD's emphasis is [Andalusian?] vocals with Paco on the guitar. So initially it was a disappointment as I was hoping for something else, more varied. But, the more I listen to it, the more the quality rings through and I really enjoy it. Although I do hope that in the future there will be a disc of the performance with all the musicians in his group.

Paco de Lucia is the best flamenco guitarist ever. This album is pure flamenco, del bueno, de corazón, flamenco de verdad!!! Great new compositiosn and amazing collaborations throughout the whole recording. If you are just atrting out get this, if you're a long time Paco fan, getthis too!!

This refers to my previous review and reveiws of some other fans:
I think everyone knows that flamenco is not only guitar playing! but paco is famous because of his brilliant style of playing flamenco guitar...I think he got what he wanted so hes back to the traditional style now and if he continues like this i would say that its time for him to retire!

one more thing i have to add is that if paco previous albums were all similar styles to this one! he would have never been recognised internationaly! just see above the number of used cd's of this album for sale!!its more than 70!! fans are disapointed!


Old reveiw:
Paco is best when he is playing alone(without singers)..he is a 10 star as a guitar player infact he is the best of them all, but this album is nothing compared to the previous one's, but as a paco fan still u should have it.the thing i didnt like was the singers! the good thing was the rumba..the music quality is very good...come on paco give us the old styles..

5 stars for this album, not for regular "guitar flashing-fast riffs" addicts; more for those looking for depth on arrangement and composition, those searching for the nuevo Flamenco.
In response to "ggprep" comments, a line from Paco's Zyryab: " Si tu no tiene soniquete pa que te mete".

I bought this CD as a double CD. Now is sold separately.
If you want a real recommendation please buy the two parts. This is a showcase of Paco performance through the years and is not very difficult to enjoy. Pieces as Almoraima, Entre dos Aguas, Rio Ancho, music from latinamerica as Moliendo Cafe are shown by Paco with passion and creativity.
If you want to buy an excellent Flamenco CD, this is a good choice. Enjoy!!

i actually bought this cd as a surprise for my brother who is a musician and loves flamenco music. i listened to it and was blown away by how beautiful and passionate this entire cd is in comparison to other flamenco music i've heard. every moment of every song is fantastic and i highly recommend this cd to flamenco lovers. my brother aggrees! God has truly given this man a tremendous talent.

This album grows on you and in you. I especially love how he repeats this certain melodic theme throughout the album in little ways giving it a unique character. It takes several listenings before you notice all the areas it is creatively used. Nothing new to add about Paco, he is simply ethereal. Only wish we had another hundred years of him.

I must say that I was disappointed and hurt to see some of the negative reviews of this album and almost hateful comments about Paco.

Some seem to think that all flamenco not performed in a tablao or juerga is just garbage. This is simply not true.

You see, this album and others leading up to it, say, after 1980, by Paco and others, namely Tomatito and Manolo Sanlucar, are simply the inevitable progression of contemporary flamenco. Yes, I said contemporary flamenco, as in Puro Flamenco. That said, I think this album is among the purest ever, by any flamenco artist.

This album is nowhere near jazz or pop: On at least 5 of the 8 tracks (the jondos) are the rules of the compas at hand being followed to a T, and at the same time being overdeveloped (not at all a bad thing once you start to understand what's happening, rhythmically and melodically) in real-time, improvisationally, in a way that only Paco, and no one else can do.

This is a very exciting time for contemporary flamenco, and it is my belief that this record will be the standard of flamenco to come in the 21st century. I can only say this in a humble attempt to express what I'm thinking: This album single- handedly solidified the modern "abstraction and ambiguity" movement that had been brewing in a flamenco "pressure-cooker" since around the late eighties. Luzia finally came around and completely blew the top off of this boiler, and now the contents of which are just spilling over with what's to come: Futuristic and strange yet unprecedentedly beautiful new harmonic and tonal adaptations of musical themes dating back, in some cases 200 years or more. This album boldly breaks the seal and lets forth so many new possibilities in traditional flamenco.

As others have noted, this record is not an entry-level flamenco album; It is very much advanced-listening. If you are new to Paco or, for that matter, flamenco guitar, you will likely see no rhyme or reason to the music contained in this masterwork. Even most seasoned aficionados of flamenco will have to give this one a dozen or so spins before they begin to scratch the surface of its potential. It really is that deep an abyss: I've owned it since the week it came out here in America and have listened to it hundreds of times and I still to this day learn something new every time I listen to it.

This is what flamenco is all about! Interpreting and re-interpreting old songs. Developing and re-developing the classic motifs. If everybody played a soleares like Nino Ricardo, how aritistic would that be? Or what if everbody only used the falsetas of old in their bulerias and never considered creating new ones? Every tablao would sound the same, and the entire flamenco catalog would consist of about 5 discs. In which case, flamenco would barely be classifyable as an art.

Fortunately we have had pioneers, visionaries who have followed in the footsteps of Montoya, Nino Ricardo, and Sabicas and have pushed forward, not to detriment of, but in the very name of Flamenco. To advance Flamenco, to beautify it, and to honor it. Not to lock it in a cage, and watch from afar as it grows old and sick.

I believe Artin is a bit FULL of himself - to post his review three times? Ego knows no bounds. If you are looking for really good traditional Flamenco, this is NOT, NOT the album for you. This is "exquisitely" atypical. If you have been listening to flamenco for years and are looking for that next ethereal phase, the next step beyond traditional flamenco, this is it. If you are a novice to flamenco, are will be left completely puzzled by what you hear. Listen to Paco's Fuerte y Caudal or Siroco instead, but not this album. It is beyond the earth bound realities of traditional flamenco, and is a song from Paco's heart about his lost love. This is ABSOLUTELY a love-it or hate-it album, even for Paco fans. Go get Gerardo Nunez or Rafael Riqueni instead, if you are looking for inspired next phase traditional Flamenco. Get Paco's earlier works for fabulous listening. BUY THIS CD AT YOUR OWN RISK, ONLY IF YOU ARE READY!

Paco de lucia has proved to the world what you could do with the guitar. he has shown that it is more than just music....his last track, Camaron, tells a story..it TALKS TO YOU...its not music,,it is the artists thoughts and feelings brought up through music... Listen to the track carefully and see how different parts of it correspond to these words....
1. here is a story of a dear friends ... who died

2. we had good days ... I remember ...
3. oh he died, and his away for ever

4. I remember that one happy day where....

5. oh but his dead, ohhhh the sorrow ...

6. I cant overcome the pain

7. oh and there was that nice time where...

8. but he died, and left us ponder

9. hear me .... I will always think of you

10. until I die and come to you...
11. I think of us in heaven one day dancing happy...

12. I cant wait to see you and...

13. I know your soul is alive and can hear me....

14. Words: translation

SO NICE, IT MAKES YOU CRY... dont smoke Paco, we need you... ha ha

Paco de lucia has proved to the world what you could do with the guitar. he has shown that it is more than just music....his last track, Camaron, tells a story..it TALKS TO YOU...its not music,,it is the artists thoughts and feelings brought up through music... Listen to the track carefully and see how different parts of it correspond to these words....

1. here is a story of a dear friends ... who died

2. we had good days ... I remember ...
3. oh he died, and his away for ever

4. I remember that one happy day where....

5. oh but his dead, ohhhh the sorrow ...

6. I cant overcome the pain

7. oh and there was that nice time where...

8. but he died, and left us ponder

9. hear me .... I will always think of you

10. until I die and come to you...
11. I think of us in heaven one day dancing happy...

12. I cant wait to see you and...

13. I know your soul is alive and can hear me....

14. Words: translation

SO NICE, IT MAKES YOU CRY... dont smoke Paco, we need you... ha ha