Luis Clemente, October 1998

In the last 13 years (he has been recording for 20), José Mercé has released 5 records for 5 different companies, a mess that dishonors this top flight flamenco singer. José is a stupendous singer who hasn't made a record in 5 years; he felt he was unable to because of things that occurred in his personal life, but he now returns with his most youthful record yet. José didn't feel it was necessary to record a seguiriyas for this record, although he recorded one for Juan Habichuela's homage album: whoever doesn't know that he is one of the greatest singers of seguiriyas today doesn't know what he's missing. Of course we know about his personal misfortune and that Vicente Amigo has taken him and given him a little life. José has finally made the record that he has been talking about and has wanted to make for a long time. For its part, the support of Vicente Amigo on guitar and as composer-producer has given the singer from Jerez one of the best-selling flamenco records of all time.

Duende and heritage resound in Mercé's voice, which here is refreshing and splendid. For this album, recorded during many all night sessions in Córdoba, José Mercé and Vicente Amigo have selected three bulerías with chorus (one with Moraito, La Chonchi and José el Francés), as well as some songs in a tangos style. But there is are a short cartagenera sensibly arranged that should be listened to at top volume, some outstanding soleares and some glimmering alegrías that are the pivot point of this satisfying and appealing album. Radiant. Free-flowing flamenco

More information:

Interview with Manolo Sanlúcar, guitarist

Festival de Mont de Marsan 2002. Manolo Sanlúcar and Carmen Linares, ‘Locura de brisa y trino’. Review and photos