Recently Heard: Cafe Tropical by Johannes Linstead

[ellyssian]

Johannes Linstead: Cafe Tropical

Given all the lessons recently on flamenco, one in particular mentioning nuevo flamenco in a derogatory sense, there should be some additional clarification. I differentiate between the two because they are different beasts. Distant relations, maybe, but not identical or even fraternal twins. Neuvo flamenco is not quite as pure - "watered down" would be accurate, although it's not such a bad thing.

For one, neuvo flamenco is more accessible - as it tends to leave the vocals behind, and often mixes in non-traditional instrumentation (acoustic or electric), it appeals to a much wider audience. While traditional flamenco can be used as background music, neuvo flamenco excels at it. There is still a high quality of musicianship required, it's not that the guitar parts are easier, less involved, or less interesting. Think "smooth jazz" vs. "avant garde jazz" as comparable to the difference between neuvo flamenco and flamenco.

I came across Linstead's stuff maybe four or five years ago, and it blew me away. This release - his sixth, if I recall correctly - has a number of tunes that really grab your attention melodically. He seems to be maturing as a songwriter, branching out a bit, but remaining true to his format. When I make and serve Mexican food, I like to use his material as the soundtrack.

Comments

Johannes Rules!

[(Anonymous)]

I love his music too. My favorites are Cafe Tropical, Mediterranea, and Guitarra Del Fuego. His website is cool because you can hear snipets to almost all his music while you go thru his site. Here it is:
http://www.johanneslinstead.com