Espana

Putumayo Presents | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 29, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Putumayo World Music
• ASIN: B002E3BQS6
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,311 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #56 in Music > World Music > Latin Music > General AAS

Track Listings

1. Para Poder Olvidarla - Peret

2. Remedios - Gertrudis

3. Como el Viento - Depedro

4. Por los Besos Que Me Das - Burguitos

5. Lunita - Calima

6. Corren - Gossos

7. Cumbia Caimanera - Combolinga

8. Danza Ritual - Uxia

9. San Martin, Azken Larrosa - Xabier Lete

10. Te Estás Equivocando - Gecko Turner

11. Pasapeanas - Biella Nuei

Editorial Reviews

Putumayo World Music's release España is a CD collection featuring a captivating mix of songs by contemporary artists from across Spain, showcasing the country's diverse yet accessible music styles. The modern music of Spain is a fascinating blend of old and new, reflecting centuries of tradition, diverse regional cultures and international influences.

España spotlights a broad cross-section of music, from Spain's best-known genre, flamenco, to Barcelona's mestizo (mixed) movement, which incorporates fusions of pop, rock, jazz, reggae, rumba, flamenco and more. España also features the work of renowned photographer Peter Adams and a recipe by famed Basque chef Eva Arguinaño.

Barcelona, in the northeastern province of Catalonia, possesses a thriving mestizo music scene represented on the collection by hip fusionists Calima, Gertrudis and Gossos (with superstar Dani Macaco guesting) and legendary rumba flamenco pioneer Peret. Valencia-based band Burguitos blends rumba, pop and world music flavors with humorous and satirical lyrics. Galician singer Uxía demonstrates her region's enchanting Portuguese-influenced music. Folk revivalists Biella Nuei bring exposure to the roots of Aragonese traditions, while Basque poet and singer Xabier Lete writes and records moving songs in the unique Basque language. Madrid's El Combolinga combines reggae, rock, Afro-Cuban music, jazz, ska, and African grooves.

Although Spanish music is often featured on Putumayo's collections and one of its 12 international offices is located in Barcelona, España marks Putumayo's first CD focused exclusively on the music of Spain.

A portion of Putumayo's proceeds will be donated to Intermón Oxfam, the Spanish branch of Oxfam International, which supports the empowerment of fair trade artisans and farmers worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Varied and Vibrant Music of Modern Spain, October 5, 2009

By 

Dr. Debra Jan Bibel "World Music Explorer" (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Espana (Audio CD)

While the Spanish flamenco and rumba rhythms have become popular influences in world music, including in Egypt and the Near East, and the Congo maintains its rumba origins, what is happening in Spanish popular music of today? Putumayo answers that question with an enjoyable anthology of contemporary songs from Spain. The traditional rhythms are represented. but we also hear mergers with rock, Latin jazz, Caribbean reggae, and Colombian cumbia. With the expection of one Basque ballad, all selections are up tempo. Throughout, the Spanish national idiom or flavor persists, with each song a representative type of Spain's regions. This very fine album demonstates the richly varied and vibrant musics present in Spain. Music today is certainly global, with national styles criss-crossing the planet. My appetite is whetted, and I look forward to more dedicated songs of Spain in Putumayo's Café, Acoustic, Groove, and Lounge series. Huzzah to Putumayo for yet another grand and happy collection!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trans-Iberian Orchestra, October 17, 2009

By 

Amaranth "music fan" (Northern California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Espana (Audio CD)

"Espana" is a fitting sequel to the previous Putumayo Presents: Italia As "Italia" sheds light on lesser known Italian singer-songwriters, so does "Espana" shows there's more to Spain than flamenco. Spain is a wondrously diverse country--it's the homeland of El Greco, Velazquez, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Goya, Ferran Adria, Gaudi. It is the home of the enigmatic Basque, and spiritual giants like Teresa of Avila, Ignatius of Loyola and John of the Cross. "Espana" gives a tantalizing 40 minute taste of the country. It even includes a Basque bread pudding recipe. A portion of the profits benefits Oxfam in promoting fair trade.

"Espana" opens with the classic flamenco of Peret. The group Gertrudis has a peppy song about a witch burnt at the stake. Strangely joyful, considering the topic. DePedro,who hails from Peru, blends Southwestern styles with Spanish ones. There's the gentle acoustic style of Burguitos in his love song. Calima's "Lunita" is enigmatic and entrancing. Gossos' "Corren" is Spanish rock. El Combolinga blends Colombian cumbia with Spanish rumba... after all Colombia, like Peru, traces its musical roots to Spain. Uxia's "Danza Ritual" weaves together Galician music with the tarantella. It's one of the highlights of the compilation (along with "Lunita") Xabier Lete adds a contemporary flavor to a traditional Basque song. Gecko Turner provides the reggae track. The closing track is from the musical collective Biella Nuei from Aragon. It's a tantalizingly brief instrumental with a Celtic flavor (sort of like the whole compilation)

"Espana" is like a delicious plate of tapas. It's a sweet and savory assortment, and one wants more! "Espana" is a flavorful journey through on the Iberian peninsula.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In a single word...Excellent!!, October 2, 2009

By 

traveler "traveler" (LaPorte, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Espana (Audio CD)

This is one of Putumayo's best yet! It is on a par with "Italian Odyssey" in that it gives a true feel for the musical diversity of this wonderful country. It is not flamenco; nouveau or otherwise, it is not straight rumba, salsa or samba (It's uniquely SPANISH). It shows the evolution of so many great musical styles and is never boring. On othe r"world" music cd's, there are some clunkers on there that are almost inevitable and unavoidable. When you are trying to compile music for an audience who may or may not be familiar with the language or customs of the featured country/region/genre, it is a daunting task. This cd flows beautifully.. This is definitely going to get a lot of play. I think a shuffle mix of this, "Greece", "Mediterranean Odyssey" and "Congo to Cuba" will make a great playlist. It is modern without being weird, traditional enough to be respectful. It's about time Spain has been featured by this great company.
Putumayo as a label has done more to familiarize people with world music, I think, than any other single force in modern music.
Definitely a home run for Putumayo. Well Done!!