Paco Cepero creates instrumental music with a strong Andalusian flavor, which certainly isn't the exclusive domain of guitarists. It's clear that his aim here isn't to leave guitar students open-mouthed - rather his higher, more elusive goal here might be to connect with audiences in general. And this search for accessibility is what best characterizes his new album.

While his immaculate fingerwork and clean-sounding notes are impressive (and perhaps less common than one might expect), Paco Cepero's trump card is his playing around with rhythm and melody. There's still room, though, for catchy chorus lines and repetitive motifs in each song. The forcefulness with which he attacks each note, and the experiments with spacing between phrases, are the trademarks of the ten original instrumental compositions on ‘Corazón y Bordón’.

A few decades of experience of one of the omnipresent names on the flamenco scene has led to a crisp-sounding guitar, played with conviction. His unashamed use of melodies is a formula that could even be called original in this day and age. Cepero's fresh, classical approach to the guitar stands out from the competitiveness associated with the instrument, and could bring the guitar to audiences who aren't necessarily looking for sweeping scales and furious fingerwork. If virtuoso technique has drawn part of the audience away from guitars covered with coat upon coat of varnish, heavy with reverberations, some of the tracks on this album should have just the opposite effect.

The only accompaniments to be found on this instrumental album are a smattering of palmas, a little cajón, and the odd discreet electric bassline at the hands of Manolo Nieto. Paco Cepero, after a three year break from recording, is back with a vengeance.

More information:

Interview with Paco Cepero (June 2001)

Special features: Paco Cepero musical scores. 'Aires de Jerez' (free sample)