Customer Reviews

Fuente Y Caudal

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By the time "FUENTE Y CAUDAL" was released in 1973, 25 year old Paco de Lucia was clearly acknowledged as the world's premier flamenco guitarist, a position not relinquished in the 30 years that have followed. The album could also be regarded quite fairly as Paco's first truly great recording.

"FUENTE Y CAUDAL" is most renowned for the opening "rumba" titled "Entre Dos Aguas". This is the tune that transformed Paco from a flamenco hero to a ( Spanish ) national hero, its intense and expressive character a unique inspiration ( far from the "light" rumba flamenca that had been played before ) that influenced countless numbers of flamenco musicians. For the first time on record, Paco plays in an ensemble ( 2nd guitar, electric bass and congas ) that was at that time unusual in flamenco music. True to the (actually double) meaning in its title, "Entre Dos Aguas" has roots in two different but nonetheless compatible musical realms.

The remainder of the album is wonderful but more traditional, consisting either of solo pieces or those using conventional accompaniment. Two cuts in particular stand out.

"Fuente Y Caudal" ( a piece in the "taranta" form ) is dark and mournful, one of Paco's most profound creations ( it never fails to send chills up the spine ).

The other standout is "Cepa Andaluza", in the "buleria" style which Paco himself has described as the most complex and characteristic flamenco form. "Cepa Andaluza" is explosive, as Paco plays with volcanic energy accompanied "por fiesta" by flamencos using "palmas" and "jaleos" ( handclaps and shouts of encouragement ). This cut practically jumps out of the speaker!

One can explain Paco de Lucia's legendary status by pointing out specifics:

1) Phenomenal technical proficiency ( lightning "picado" scales, ferocious "rasgueado" and "pulgado" strumming, fluid left hand chord positioning and a flawless sense of rhythm )

2) Compositional talent ( longer stretches of melody, new chordal progressions that still sound "flamenco" )

3) An adventurous spirit ( collaborating with jazz musicians; investigating Brazilian music )

4) A wise and contemplative nature ( coupled with intense love and zeal for flamenco music and culture )

But a more basic, earthy and truly "flamenco" explanation would simply point out that Paco possesses an abundance of "duende"; the ability to summon up the profound and seemingly inexpressible and communicate it to others. There are quite a few moments of Paco's "duende" heard on "FUENTE Y CAUDAL", which is unreservedly recommended to all lovers of great music.

I am in complete agreement with the two other reviews. Very simply, this is a kickin' (please pardon me) flamenco album, full of the traditional vein of influence from Ramon Montoya and Sabicas. It is absolutely riveting and powerful. This shows how accomplished a fine flamenco artist he was, and how talented a musician he still is today.
But, honestly, I would not really bother with his later cds if you love flamenco puro, as they begin to tread too much into soft jazz/latin flavors, and don't really do justice to the flamenco genre. Relish and listen to the early cds.

This is one of the few CDs that totally blew me away when i first time i heard it! This is early Paco de Lucia and you can feel the raw energy he generates, probably one of the best guitar ever recorded. This is the definition of the term "Original Music".
Its a shame that not many people know about this CD, even they know Paco de Lucia and also have heard the songs in here in some other Greatest Hits kind of compilation. But, This is a piece of beauty, a work of art. You don't own it, you possess it!

A Spanish friend introduced me to "Entre dos aguas" and it quickly became one of my favorite songs. I rarely purchase cds, but the beauty of "Entre dos aguas" alone was enough to inspire me to buy Fuente y Caudal. Now, several months later, Fuente y Caudal is one of my favorite albums and I just saw Paco de Lucia in concert (amazing!).

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with this album. You don't have to be a flamenco aficionado (I wasn't) to appreciate it, you just have to enjoy good music. I've passed this cd on to many friends; after hearing me play it, they wanted to have it for themselves. Fuente y Caudal covers an amazing spectrum of emotions. Its songs are joyous, moody, exhilarating, heartbreaking, often at the same time. If you're new to flamenco and Paco de Lucia, I think Fuente y Caudal is a great place to start. If you're already a Paco fan and don't have this album, all I can say is, "WHY NOT?!"

The first track, "Entre Dos Aguas", may be the song with which Paco de Lucia will forever be identified. Its a firey, catchy tune, a rumba that grabs hold and doesn't let go. Paco is accompanied by his brother, the late Ramon de Algeciras, on the recording and although they play traditional flamenco toques, Paco and Ramon give them a distinctly modern or fusion flavor. This album was so influential that many flamenco guitarists rushed to follow Paco's lead to cash in on the crisp, bright and powerful sound. Hence, Paco has legions of imitators worldwide who have eagerly adopted his style and approach to flamenco. This CD is absolutely over the top!

Paco de Lucia is one of the finest flamenco guitarists in the world. This album accurately captures the passion and sensuality of the flamenco genre. It is impossible to sit still while listening to this music. One is drawn to stand and attempt to dance the flamenco.