Customer Reviews

Undebel

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

 

 

Since so many people are crazy about Lagrimas Negras, some might be wondering about this, Cigala's only other cd currently available on Amazon. Half of the songs are more traditional flamenco palos (bulerias, fandangos, martinete, etc) and the other songs are more like flamenco influenced, mixed with pop but fresh and memorable. Diego's voice is younger here, but he already sounds really good and the material is strong overall. You can tell he has big ears and is interested in trying things out, testing the air, ready to stretch his wings. There's lots of stars, really his friends, playing with him here: Paquete, Negri and Ardilla (who produced it) from Barberia del Sur, Chaboli and Bandolero on percussion, and Tomatito on one cut.

I think his next album, Entre Vareta y Canasta, from 2000, is Cigala's masterpiece so far. More stripped down, more flamenco, his voice stronger, more fearless, more commanding, more menacing, more melismatic. Fantastic. This is the record to get.

There are also many highlights on his other two cds. Teatro Real (2002) is a live recording with just him and his guitarist Nino Josele. On Corren Tempos de Alegria (2001) he recorded with Bebo Valdes for the first time. The front cover of this cd, with Cigala sitting on a gold throne wearing a white ruffled shirt under a black suit with Adidas, a fluffy "Milhouse" dog at his feet, and that expression on his face, is pure genius. This is probably the best cover art on a flamenco cd since Ray Heredia's album.

In some ways I wish El Cigala would return to the flavors of UNDEBEL, though I've loved every album he's come out with. UNDEBEL is real flamenco fusion-- pop and jazz styles seamlessly merged with traditional flamenco-- and the results are joyous, multicolored, multi textured, rich and musically meaningful. The "Rondena" is absolutely amazing-- complex, multi-tonal pop chords that expand with such emotion and movement. The vocals of "Seremos Los Mismos" with it's climbing jumps, really wonderful and El Cigala seems to take great joy in singing them. As the album progresses, it gets more and more into the roots of flamenco, ending with "Esquina de Andalucia", sort of a Moorish prayer. I highly recommend the album, especially for listeners who enjoy music that crosses boundaries..

This is the debut album of the awesome and handsome Cigala. Undebel is one delicious Rumba. If asked, I would say that it is my favorite Rumba. If you are just discovering flamenco, this is a great album to get acquainted with some basic "palos" like "Bulerias" and Rumba.
Great production, great voice. This album feels modern despite the fact that Cigala is fortunately a strict flamenco singer.
The copy that I got for a very good price came from a library, so I guess my copy may not be all the way legal. Unused copies were practically non available.