Flamenco-world.com, March 2004

Three years on from his recording debut, Arcángel releases his second disc. The cantaor from the Andalusian region of Huelva, together with guitarist and songwriter Juan Carlos Romero, has put together an album entitled 'La calle perdía'. The album contains styles such as rumba, tangos, bulerías, malagueñas and, of course, fandangos de Huelva. His vocals are backed up by musical contributions from the likes of Diego de Morao, Antonio Coronel and Manolo Nieto. The lyrics are written by, among others, Isidro Muñoz and José Luis Ortiz Nuevo.

Arcángel with Daniel Méndez (Foto: Daniel Muñoz)

The season kicked off with Miguel Poveda's 'Poemas del exilio. Rafael Alberti', and that seems to have paved the way for more young cantaores to return to the recording studio. Now it's the turn of Arcángel, who releases his second disc. Under the watchful eye of Juan Carlos Romero, the album's producer, arranger, songwriter and guitarist, he's put together 'La calle perdía'. This album, with an air of classical flamenco, contains a broad spectrum of styles, including alegrías, malagueñas, rumba, soleá, tangos and fandangos de Huelva, Huelva being the artist's home turf.

Arcángel has brought together an elite band of artists, including guitarist Diego de Morao, bassist Manolo Nieto and percussionists Antonio Coronel and Paquito. His album also features other musical formations, such as the Seville Symphonic Orchestra and a choir - the Coro de Amigos del Teatro de la Maestranza. As for lyricists, there are several noteworthy contributions: Juan Carlos Romero, Isidro Muñoz, Antonio Jaraqueño and José Luis Ortiz Nuevo.

A long time coming

The cantaor's second disc has been long awaited after he parted ways with his former recording company Virgin, the label on which he released 'Arcángel'. In the meantime, he's been keeping busy both on stage and in the studio. Since his recording début Arcángel has taken part in collective projects like 'Territorio Flamenco', on which he recorded a flamenco version of the well-known copla 'La bien pagá', and 'Tributo flamenco a don Juan Valderrama', where he sings a serrana por tangos entitled 'La novia de Reverte'. He also made guest appearances on some of his contemporaries' albums, including 'Un segundo de cante' by Segundo Falcón.

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