Opinion is divided amongst aficionados of flamenco guitar as to the worth of Manitas' playing. For some, he is the greatest flamenco player the word has ever seen, and others think him overrated, overly flamboyant and disrespectful of the flamenco form. I am no expert on flamenco (or anything else for that matter), but for me, there is a passion and intensity in the music of Manitas de Plata (Little Hands of Silver) which transcends genre, there is a spontaneity and an exhuberance that is life affirming. This is a joyful noise.
"FROM PAN PIPES TO THE NAI: Legend has it that the God Pan made the first Pan Pipes from reeds, to play to his loved one, the nymph Syrinx. The instrument originally had 5 to 7 reeds but many variations were made in stone, porcelain, bronze, etc. It was a folk instrument played mostly by farmers, shepherds and gypsies, and has remained an instrument of the country people, especially in Roumania. In the 18th Century, the Roumanians developed it with the introduction of bamboo pipes, and extended it to as many as 23 pipes. At this time, with the increase in size, its form changed from flat to curved for ease of playing and to extend the playing technique, and it became known as Nai..."
This album came from a boot sale a few months ago. Now, please forgive my ignorance, but I had always associated the pan pipe with the music of the Andes, so this came as a bit of a revalation. I thought the record might provide some momentary amusement, but actually it is a highly energetic gypsy romp - the music is spectacularly good. There are some beautiful moments in which Nicu plays his pipes to emulate bird calls, and his playing is brilliant throughout, however the real star of this album is, for me, the fantastic Cimbaal player - Ion Miu, who's playing on the zither like Cimbalom is just gorgeous.
Tracklist:
01 Ciocirlia (The Lark) 02 Coboara Neica Calare 03 Doina De La Titu 04 Sirba de Concert 05 Busoic de la Plenita 06 Ca Pe Giu 07 Sirba Din Muntenia 08 Hora Staccato 09 Munte, Munte, Brad Frumos 10 Hora Lunga 11 Jocul Oilor Din Maramures 12 Miorita 13 Coragheasca
Absolutely stunning gypsy flamenco recorded live at the festival of Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue region of France. During the '60s and '70s, Manitas de Plata (Little Hands of Silver) was one of the most famous flamenco guitarists in the world, playing the Carnegie Hall, the Royal Variety Performance and at a United Nations gala. For purists, his music was too raw and unpredictable to be considered as flamenco, but the improvisational flair of his performances and his ecstatic immersion in the creative moment make for engrossing listening. Here's some footage:
And just for a treat, here's another clip from Tony Gatlif's moving film about the Rom people, their journeys and their musics, Latcho Drom:
Tracklist:
01 Eglise Maure 02 Sara La Noire 03 Hommage a Baroncelli 04 Benediction de la Mer Side 2 Senor Carcelero - Galop de Camargue - Fandango de Manero et de Jose - Chant du Berger - Sola Lagrima
Picked up this wonderful recording of flamenco music from a local boot sale recently, and what a treasure it is. The album was released in the late '50s, but it was recorded at the annual Gypsy pilgrimage to Saintes Maries de la Mer way back in 1955. Some breathtaking performances on this disc and all the music is performed amidst a real carnival atmosphere. Here's what the sleeve notes have to say:
Gypsy Music recorded at the Festival of Les Stes. Maries De La Mer, 1955
These recordings of Flamenco music were made at the festival held in May each year by the Gypsies at Les Stes. Maries de la Mer in the South of France. In recording this festival, it was hoped to find some link between the Flamenco type voice-production and the songs of the wandering Bauls from Bengal, whose vocation is to never remain rooted in one place for any great length of time, but to roam throughout India singing religious, philosophical and amorous songs.
The researchers wondered how a recording machine would be taken by the Gypsies; perhaps they would resent it as an intrusion on their festivities. But from th moment of arrival at the festival they were accepted with a warm, naïve delight, mingled with childish shyness on the part of some of the women, although very few were at all reluctant to sing in front of the microphone. The music and dancing of these people is so powerful that one is hardly aware of material surroundings beyond the thick sound of many people clustered round the groups of singers and guitarists. Although the Gypsies come not only from Spain, but also from France and Italy, difference of language was no barrier to communication between them; it was very beautiful to see the way their music forms a strong link and means of expression between the different races.
The recordings were taken under rather difficult conditions. The Microphone was taken from one group to another, as they sang and danced night and day in the streets and arena, intoxicated by alcohol and the rhythmical fire of their music. Although there is a certain spirit of rivalry between the different groups of Gypsy musicians, they become as one, rushing to surround the singer, clapping hands, stamping feet, shouting encouragement, caught up in the throb of the music and the lust of the dancing. There is a brutal, savage quality in the wild strangely long drawn out cry of these songs and in the sadness of the Cante Jondo.
Side 1:
Artists: JUANITA PIRRIS, MARINA GARRETTA and party
(All the pieces of music on this side of the record were performed by the same group singing in front of a constantly increasing audience who helped the music to grow more and more lively, also adding the necessary atmosphere to this spontaneous ensemble. The language is Spanish.)
BULERIAS: Love song by a group of Spanish Gypsies now wandering in the South of France. The song is alternated with instrumental interludes, and while the singers, both men and women, performed, the Gypsy audience took active part in the performance by clapping the rhythm. The accompaniment is on guitar.
Just to whet your appetite, here's a couple of great clips from Tony Gatlif's moving film about the Rom people, their journeys and their musics, Latcho Drom:
The music is, of course, for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear then go out and try and buy stuff...or something, give money to a down on his luck musician, or sponsor a good busker, it may be the start of something beautiful.
If any of the zips die, then post a comment and i'll try to repost. And leave comments, abuse, name calling, any response is welcome.
I think all of the albums posted are currently unavailable, but if this is not the case we'll remove the offending files.
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