Mi Nina Lola – Buika (Casa Limon)
Concha Buika’s rapsy flamenco voice goes straight to the heart and can be likened to a female version of Diego el Cigala. A beautiful album produced by Spain’s Javier Limon.
Cal – Son de la Frontera (World Village)
Exciting sounds from Spain that explore the fusion of Cuban tres and flamenco guitar. The album plays homage to guitarist Diego del Gastor and takes you to the mountains of Andalucia.
Joga da Vida – Celso Machado (CBC Records)
Beautiful arrangements and compositions from Brazilian born and Canadian based singer, percussionist and guitarist Celso Machado. Guests Eliana Cuevas and Guiomar Campbell enrich with sensual vocals.
Cuanto Tardaré – The Café Ole
The Café Ole’s debut album is a beautiful combination of great musicianship from a goup who met at Toronto’s Humber College — bassist and leader Dustin Shaskin, percussionist Diego las Heras, Scott Metcalf on keyboard and the beautiful voice of Celia Palli. Special guests Mike Murley on Saxophone and Roberto Occhipinti on bass.
Motion – David Virelles
Cuban born and Canadian based pianist and composer David Virelles is making his mark across the country. His debut album also includes a composition and performance from his father, guitarist and composer Jose Aquiles, and special guest Pablosky Rosales on tres guitar. His team of musicians include Luis Deniz (saxophone), Devon Henderson (acoustic bass) , Ethan Ardelli (drums ) and Luis Orbegoso (percussion).
Agua del Pozo – Alex Cuba
Alexis Puentes continues to heat up his listeners with more danceable music of his unique Afrocuban pop compositions.
Luna – Sultans of String
A beautiful recording of middle eastern and flamenco fusion with sprinklings of Gypsy Jazz. The Sultans feature the violin of Chris Mkhool, guitarist Kevin Laliberte and bassist Drew Birston. Highlights include special guests Maryem Toller (Arabic vocals) and Bassam Bishara on Oud.
Vidas – Eliana Cuevas
Eliana continues to make beautiful music on her latest album Vidas, this time adding the wonderful work of the string section led by Aaron Davis and special guest Don Thompson on vibes. Stellar band of long time pianist Luis Guerra, George Koller (bass), Luis Orbegoso and Daniel Stone on percussion plus flamenco guitarist Jorge Miguel.
Frontiers – Jesse Cook
Jesse Cook’s 5th CD combines his outstanding instrumental flamenco guitar music with some vocal suprises including Melissa McClelland on a Bob Dylan tune “it ain’t me babe”. Music to both soothe and make you dance.
