Calaita Flamenco Son
Album: Calaita Flamenco Son
Label: World Music Network/Riverboat
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.calaitaflamenco.com

I saw Calaita Flamenco Son at Musicport Festival in 2012 and so impressed was I by their performance I immediately headed across to the band to see if they had a CD for sale and was disappointed to find that one did not yet exist. Fortunately, just before Christmas 2013 I found that a CD was to be released this April and managed to get hold of a pre release promo version. I was delighted to find that the highly charged atmosphere of the live performance was, as near possible for a studio recording, replicated on the disc.

The group, currently based in Manchester, is fronted by Chico Pere (vocals, rhythm guitar) who originally hails from Seville. He is more than ably supported by Glenn Sharp (guitar), Leo Paredes (percussion), Diana Castro (vocals) and Matt Nickson (saxophone, flute). Together they make a sound that subtly expands the flamenco idiom through original material to incorporate other musical traditions and genres, most notably jazz - primarily through the inclusion of the saxophone in the sonic arsenal. The track 'Rumba del siete' is just one example of how well this sophisticated approach works. The musicianship throughout the CD is stunning and Chico has a voice to die for - powerful and sensitive in turns it really does have to be heard! The handclapping and spoken phrases that grace many of the tracks only serve to accentuate the live feel of the recording and draw you into the musicians world of pain and joy.

For any lovers of flamenco, or even those new to the genre, this should be a must have disc on its release and Calaita are a must see band. I have lost track of the number of flamenco music CDs I have in my collection but this will certainly be one of the most played and cherished.

Joe Grint