S.C./ Flamenco-world.com, September 2010

Back with ‘La voz del agua’, Marina Heredia started to feel in control of her career as a cantaora. And ‘Marina’ just confirms it. The Granada-born artist opens up to the most traditional flamenco cante, seriously performing cantes with substance such as the soleá, malagueñas, seguiriyas and mineras. All of them with very clear references, with vintage accompaniment and with a committed grin.

Another part of the repertoire are the middle-of-the-road tracks between flamenco and folklore, with a typical accent from Granada: they’re “fandangos del Albaizín” and “tangos de Graná”, with their castanets, their mandolins and their native jaleos. And the third style to appear is flamenco-style song, whether it is as a version of a romantic song by her much-admired Parrita, or as a reconstruction of lyrics por bulerías by El Chino, or as an update of alegrías authored by Juan M. Fernández Montoya.

Even with these three clear routes, the disc has a uniform attitude. Both Marina Heredia’s instrument and her performance have reached an optimum degree of maturity. She controls her registers and expressiveness, appearing from sweet to rough, from solemn to bright, depending on what the cante or song in question requires. Her responsibility and respect for the classical stand out, but not to the point of hindering her from bringing out her own personality and her own time.

She and her voice are in the foreground, with simple accompaniment, especially on guitar. She has several to choose from, depending on the nuances she needs. José Quevedo ‘Bolita’ backs her both in what smacks of the present, as well as some peeks at the past. But for the traditional and basic toque, she relies more on Luis Mariano and Miguel Ochando. Clapping, jaleos, subtle percussions, a bit of mandolin and some choruses are all the rest. Marina Heredia doesn’t need more make-up than what she’s wearing in the picture on the cover. ‘Marina’ is an album as honest as a washed face.

Further information: Interview with Marina Heredia, cantaora (May 2010) Special feature. Marina Heredia. Live premiere of ‘Marina’ Review, photo gallery and videos Photo gallery. Marina Heredia premieres ‘Marina’, by Daniel Muñoz

 

“Marina is an album as honest as a washed face”