Customer Reviews

Gypsy Passion: New Flamenco (Narada Collection Series)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

With apologies to Mr. L.K. Coleman and his utterly misleading Spotlight Review, this album does not pretend to be anything but what it is. Flamenco is a traditional form of music born in Andalusian Spain and created from Indian, Arabic, Jewish, Romano-Iberian and Celto-Iberian elements. GYPSY PASSION and its successors in the Narada catalogue are examples of Nuevo Flamenco or "New Flamenco" which is a style of Fusion incorporating traditional Flamenco, Jazz, Rock, Classical, and other musics. Either Mr. Coleman doesn't know about New Flamenco as a school of performance, or he's a purist who just dislikes it.

In either case, this album deserves five stars as a lively, engaging and pleasurable listening experience. And yes, "New Flamenco" has revitalized the traditional Andalusian form in modern-day Spain. GYPSY PASSION is absolutely worth your time.

This is what I've been looking for---the fire, the passion, the musical skill. The depth and quality plus variety of rhythms and moods make this a well rounded album.I highly recommend it.

I had really never heard flamenco music much before I bought this. My daughter's friend's Spanish class went to see a flamenco show in Trenton, NJ, and came back raving about it! My daughter then insisted that I buy it for her. Ever since then, I cannot get enough of it! It's BEAUTIFUL! I know it's not the traditional flamenco, but with the new modern twist behind it, it can bring in a whole new audience. I must say that the second track, Gipsy, is particularly excellent; yet, all of the tracks are exquisit in their own way, providing a variation of tempos and styles while still keeping the theme of the CD. After all, it is entitled Gypsy PASSION, and that's exactly what it is: Passionate! I would buy it five more times!

OK let me just settle all this criticism for all those who may want to buy this cd. First of all I play flamenco guitar professionally. There are 50 different styles of flamenco that are well know and countless others that arene't so well known.
Within those styles are hundreds of compas most based on the city in Spain of origin. There are a myriad of time signatures including the 12 meter hemiolic which most common in Bulerias.
I have reviewed this and other CD's like Flamenco chill and comment without reserve that these are flamenco songs. The "modernization" of flamenco music can be equated to blues appearing in every rock recording for the last 50 years. An old type flamenco recording would usually be a concert piece from Tarraga or Jerez or one those classically trained flamenco artists. It could well be argued that they classicized flamenco which ripped out all the guts and soul of the music. The amazing picado runs, powerful rageos, and alzapua licks are all mandatory elements of flamenco. If one would participate in a juelgo they would see a cajon, castenettes, palmas, cante, baille etc...this is a letre..a play of sorts with everyone responding to the cante. To listen to this in a recording would be like listening to the sound of a baseball game..there would be so much missing that it would be a complete waste of time.
SO stop tying to be mr. know it all and just enjoy music for what it is..an expression of human emotion....peace out

I love guitar music and heard this CD in a store and I just had to buy it. It is so good, I listen to this CD over and over the first day I bought it and I think I will buy some more for gifts occasions. I particularly like "Gipsy","Gypsy Flame","2 the Night", "Rumba Rumba Gitanita" ,"Torrero" and how about the best song of the album "Rockin' Gypsies" . This is not "Traditional" flamenco, that's why they called it "New" flamenco and I just love this style, you can relax at night listening to it, while driving, at work, hosting a party , . . . It's worth the money.

This is pure power! Neither polished nor urbane, this CD was raw, primal emotion! I use this CD for workouts on my cardio days and I feel like I'm riding my lungs out through the streets of downtown Mexico City! From the first song to the last, the sensuous rhythms, scorching guitar and profound spirit PIERCE your soul, making you feel the heart behind the music. In the case, the CD's jewel case doesn't lie.....this one DOES scorch!

From the very first turn, Gypsy Passion is astonishingly accessible. Familiar melodies you've never heard before pooring over Latin rythms that won't slow down. This CD will make anyone a Flamenco fan. No new age approximation, the authentic compositions can be heard over and over.

I listened to this CD at a Mall and thought It would be a pleasant substitute from the usual. Not only does my wife Trish love this albumn, my Mother-in-Law heard it in our van and said she has to have it. She will get it for Christmas! I have since heard Gypsy Soul and think it may be Gypsy Passion's equal. Thank You and keep them coming. Jeffrey Miller

NOT OFTEN HAVE I FOUND A CD WHERE ALL THE TRACKS ARE GOOD. I STILL GET GOOSE BUMPS WHEN I LISTEN TO IT AND DEFINETELY FORGET ABOUT THE TOP 10 MUSIC YOU HEAR ON THE RADIO...IT CAN'T COMPARE IN VIBRANCY AND LIFE!!

I'm not always a fan of compilations, but this one does the trick! If you aren't sure if you like flamenco music or gypsy music, get ready to be surprised. The tracks on this album are diverse and very upbeat. No slow, boring tracks here! It makes you want to get up and start tappin' every one. You'll also hear some familiar music that has been heard on all sorts of radio stations. This one is definately a keeper and a 'pass it on' album.