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Martirio: Flor de Piel
ByThe paradox of flamenco has always set the music apart. It combines extraordinary technical proficiency with a nearly out-of-control wildness. The contrast between sharp precision and far-flung energy makes it exciting to hearand watch, should you be so lucky as to witness flamenco dance. For Flor de Piel, her second US release, Martirio combines the best elements of the genre (most dramatically the wide-ranging guitar work of her collaborator, arranger, and co-producer, Raúl Rodriguez) with elements of Portuguese fado, Argentinian tango, and all sorts of other Latin American idioms. She retains the warm folk feeling of this music at all times, never falling into the trap of replicating all the details.
Martirio's voice is full-bodied, rich, and warm, spanning a wide tonal and timbral range through this collection of pieces from a range of composers. When she goes for the target, as she does on the (mostly) wispy "Uno," she rarely misses; but when she lets loose, as on the heavily flamencoed "Volver," the fire runs hot. The most exciting moments occur when she mixes things up, as she does on "En esta tarde gris," where near-operatic precision gives way to pure flame. She opens the valves for the rough-edged flamenco peak.
The singer's supporting cast is relatively simple: guitar (whether singular or plural), piano (tastefully delivered by Chano Dominguez), bass, and cello. That is, of course, in addition to rather inspired tapping percussion. The role of these relatively quiet players falls right in with Martirio's, namely a fearlessly warm and colorful delivery.
For those familiar with Compay Segundo, Martirio's solo music is not all that far away. Flor de Piel offers compelling evidence that earthy music for earthy people need not lack in elegance or sophistication. Such is the way of flamenco.
Track Listing
1. Jurame 2. Si Me Pudieras Querer 3. En Esta Tarde Gris 4. Una Semana Sin Ti 5. Alma Mia 6. Hacia Donde? 7. Volver 8. No Te Importe Saber 9. Lo Que Tenia Que Ser 10. Uno 11. Quisiera Amarte Menos 12. Las Simples Cosas
Personnel
Ra
Album information
Title: Flor de Piel | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Unknown label