The guitarist from Algeciras brings Camarón's voice back to life on this new album

Flamenco-world.com, January 2004

The return of the living legend of flamenco guitar is imminent. According to a press release by the Efe news agency on January 2nd 2004, "after a five year break, guitarist Paco de Lucía resurfaces with a new album, 'Cositas buenas' (Good things), to be released at the end of January with eight new tracks". Of these new and long-awaited compositions "one is of particular interest: a trio with Tomatito on guitar and the revived voice of Camarón de la Isla".

Paco de Lucía (Photo: Daniel Muñoz)

The news brief reveals that on 'Cositas buenas' "there are three bulerías, 'Patio custodio', 'Volar' and 'Que venga el alba'; a soleá por bulerías dedicated to his daughter 'Antonia', on which Paco de Lucía sings; and the title track por tangos. There are also two rumbas, 'El dengue' and 'Casa Bernardo', with a guest appearance by Alejandro Sanz; and the tientos, 'El tesorillo', with vocals by Diego el Cigala". The guitarist's new album, the result of around two years' work, "also features contributions by La Tana, Montse Cortés and El Potito".

To coincide with the release of this new album, Paco de Lucía will tour the U.S. and Canada in January and February 2004, with shows in cities like Los Angeles, Boston, Montreal, Washington and New York, among others. On this tour Paco de Lucía won't be accompanied by the musicians who made up his habitual septet, including saxophonist and flautist Jorge Pardo, bassist Carles Benavent and percussionist Rubem Dantas. It's suggested that the guitarist's new formation will feature El Negri as vocalist/percussionist, guitarist El Paquete and bassist Alain Pérez.

News for fans and collectors

Meanwhile, fans now have access to Paco de Lucía's complete works, with the recent release of the collection 'Integral', comprising twenty-six discs. Also currently available are the official scores/tabs of his music, in 'La fabulosa guitarra de Paco de Lucía' and 'Fantasía flamenca', as well as the double DVD 'Francisco Sánchez-Paco de Lucía', which includes a biographical TV documentary and various concerts by the artist. And to round off there's the new biography by Cadiz journalist Juan José Téllez, entitled 'Paco de Lucía en vivo'.

magazine@flamenco-world.com