Customer Reviews

My Songs & A Poem

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's a rare album that has no weak songs, no filler material, no below-par padding, no moments where you hit the skip button. "My song and a poem" is such a rarity. All of its 14 songs are beautifully crafted and each offers treasures of singing and playing that royally repay repeated, careful listening.

One of the great joys of the album is the warmth and intimacy of the recording, which catches every nuance of the intricate, driving guitar work and of Estrella's exquisite voice. For example on one of the tracks with guitar maestro Manolo Sanlucar, her husky murmur of appreciation "ole" comes in intimate response to his delicate introduction to the moving "Alcazaba". It's like sitting in on the session

Real flamenco is a tough sell to the masses - hence the prominence of "lite" variants such as Ottmar Liebert. And to be frank, Estrella Morente is too roots and too real to be really accessible to most AOR-spoiled ears. But anyone who owns (and plays) more than a couple of CDs on the Real World label will enjoy this one.

It really doesn't get much better than this. However, there are some small problems. For example, the lyrics are unfortunately all translated to English and though I have a poor understanding of Spanish, even I can tell that they are not fantastically accurate. Therefore, anyone wishing to learn more about the cante will have to do a lot of backwork to get the most they can from this record. (Also note that the cante on this record is partially non-traditional in form.) Since most of the recording was "live" there are some mixing problems. On many of the tracks Estrella's incredible voice distorts when she hits a forte dynamic. While this is unfortunate from an audiophile stance it somewhat lends to the raw, "authentic" feel of the record. Most of the time the sound production at a flamenco performance is lackluster so this seems to kinda fit within the genre's idiom. There was also a mild overabundance of tarantas that pleased the musician in me, but not the dancer. I simply wanted more groove. That and the track, Let Sunday Come, featured Estrella's voice douobled all throughout which, besides being a decidedly non-live effect, annoyed the hell out of me. That aside Estrellas salida on "Pilgrims" alone is worth the price of the album, and "Bulerias of the Bola" is an absolute must have for any flamenco afficionado. Buy this record now.

Estrella provides us with the traditional flamenco music that has been upgraded to our tastes of today. I have used her music in many of my flamenco classes, I teach adult beginner flamenco, and all my students love it. She is an asset to the Flamenco community. As a dancer and teacher I appreciate her DUENDE FLAMENCA!

Estrella, at the begining of what will certainly be a long and important career, skillfully blends the deep tradition of canto jondo...with the vibrance, vigor and optimism of her relatively young age. The importance of this album will be more fully appreciated in the decades to come. For those NOT versed in flamenco....This is a beautiful, silky and dynamic introduction to the potential of the female flamenco voice.

really grrreat flamenco cante !!! a solid CD with superb accompanyment on guitar as well as very clean production, a solid choice of songs & a purity 'n' sweetness to Estrellas' singing that makes it a very special recording... i LOVE it !!!

Estrella Morente, daughter of Enrique Morente , the veteran flamenco artist who has released many fine CD's, including his masteful jazz-flamenco fusion tribute to poet Federico Garcia Lorca entitled Lorca performs here in here debut release with uncanny seasoned skill. She can be soft and sensual, as is evident on "Galeria" where her voice seduces the listener. Her spell is hypnotic and exquisite. Her vocalization is such that each word that comes out of her mouth leaves you in awe as the clarity and emotion is transmitted. The accompanying musicians contribute to the richness of sound that is simple yet rich. This is not powder puff music but rather a robust brew that stirs your soul and reaches the confines of the deepest niches of your soul. The harmonies are magnificent as is evident on "Tangos de Pepico" that exhibits the beautiful nature of flamenco, complete with stirring guitar renderings moved on by shouts of ole. The interaction between members is classically displayed with the buleria entitled "Peregrinitos" as all the band interacts with this song celebrating the travelling spirit of the Gitano(Gypsy). The mournful and soulful essence of flamenco is demonstrated throughout, especially on such songs as the Solea "La Noche" where Estrella proves she is the star as her name indicates and translates. The full range of her voice is revealed by the inclusion of songs like the Bulerias "Moguer" where her voice is less about quivering gut wrenching tension but rich sambaesque harmonies. Estrella Morente is the complete package and I've enjoyed this disc for many years now. Won't you do yourself a favor and listen to some authentic flamenco now, your soul will be pleased, you cannot go wrong with this disc , it is pure flamenco. Recommended for flamenco aficionados.

Morente's voice is gorgeous and wonderful to listen to. Her songs are mostly quite enjoyable. This is flamenco that sounds traditional and yet modern. Good for mood music and easy listening while working around the house.

an amazing singer! she is fantastic and the entire album is wonderful. Great selection for lovers of flamenco and Spanish music.

Sometimes words just can't describe how good a piece of work is. This is one of those times. This CD is A+++++++++++.

Estrella Morente a beautiful,unusual voice The compositions are deceptively simple - but the more you listen the more depth you find. .