Jazz Articles about Martirio

Martirio: Flor de Piel

by AAJ Staff
October 22, 2003

You have to wonder what made this vocalist call herself Martirio, one of the darkest names around. A martyr she is not, and not particularly dark either, for that matter (except for her hair and trademark shades, if you want to count that). Originally known as Maribel Quiñones de Leon Gutierrez, the fiery Spanish singer derives her energy from the flamenco tradition and frequently the bulerias, a loosely-defined 12-pulse form rich in emotion.

The paradox of flamenco has ...