Almoraima (1976)

"When Paco de Lucía made the groundbreaking "Almoraima", he was just 28 years old. Already established as a prodigious talent, he used the opportunity to expand the possibilities of flamenco. It wasn't so much the addition of bass and congas (he'd employed them before) as his entire rethinking of what constituted flamenco. The title cut emphasized the Moorish influence, not only in the presence of the ûd, but in its melody, which borrows from Arab maqams, or modes. "Rio Ancho" transports the rhumba rhythm to Brazil, melding it to a sensual bossa nova feel. More revolutionary is "Cobre," which virtually demolishes the flamenco form of sevillanas and rebuilds it in De Lucía's vision, giving it far more gravity. He's never just showing off his huge technical ability; instead, he focuses on serving the music, whether that's on the sad "Llanos de Real" or using a choir on "Perla de Cadiz". A landmark recording, not only in de Lucía's career, but in the annals of flamenco." (Chris Nickson, Allmusic; 4 uit 5 sterren)

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