Sahara

Javier Ruibál | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 17, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Riverboat
• ASIN: B0000C0ZAO
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #212,958 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Mediterranean Sea may separate Europe from Africa, but the two continents come within eyesight of each other at the Straits of Gibraltar. It's here in the Spanish seaside town of Cádiz that singer/guitarist Javier Ruibal lives. Considering his view, it's not surprising that Ruibal's music reflects his surroundings by fusing Spanish flamenco music with Arabic rhythms and melodies. His first international release, Sahara, which collects material from his two previous albums and one new song, is steeped in this blend, but the composer looks beyond the horizon to also incorporate strains of salsa, calypso, jazz, and classical. As with all flamenco singers, Ruibal is capable soaring histrionics and quivering emotion, but he tempers it by letting his hoarse vocal chords reverberate sensuously during songs' more introspective moments. His fleet-fingered flamenco guitar playing is excellent as well, but not highlighted often enough. Even so, Sahara is strong album that should cement Ruibal's reputation outside Spain, which, considering his peripatetic musical leanings, is only fitting. –-Tad Hendrickson

Product Description

A highly regarded singer-songwriter from Cádiz, Javier Ruibal has created a new type of modern music that blends North African sounds with flamenco and other diverse influences. With the richest rhythms and harmony forming the basis of Sahara, Ruibal draws his inspiration from his love of life and beautiful women, resulting in lyrics dripping with fantastic tales and evocative Spanish poems of love. A well-kept secret beyond Spanish borders for far too long, this album is Javier Ruibal’s international debut.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!, July 25, 2005

By 

Pili (Spain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sahara (Audio CD)

I love it! The fusion of flamenco and arabian styles is really great but, most of all, it makes you feel so joyful and happy!. I don't get tired of it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful top to bottom, April 7, 2010

By 

N. Dunton "ignatious mcbeav" (Texas) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sahara (Audio CD)

I learned Spanish because of this album. It hypnotized me from the moment I first heard it. "La Reina Africa" sends chills down my spine. The lyrics are as haunting and visual as the music. You can almost feel the heat of the twilight drifting through the streets of Cadiz and see the gray, mysterious shoreline of Morocco across the Mediterranean.

5.0 out of 5 stars Always great, December 1, 2006

By 

LostIcon "JL" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sahara (Audio CD)

All three recording from Javier are excellent. Aside from having a great voice, the recording have great musical arrengments which is taken very serious, so for those that don't understand Spanish, they will appreciate the music. It is progressive and fresh, he should be a lot bigger than he is, very few of the popular musicians come close to his quality.