Daniel Muñoz, September 1998

Vicente Amigo returns with a new solo recording. It’s been three years since his last effort, titled ‘Poeta’, but, even before the release of this CD, there were all types of rumors and opinions about ‘Ciudad de las ideas’. The truth be told, Vicente doesn’t need to dazzle his listeners with technique, and his experience as a composer and producer have afforded him maturity and musical vision that are above displays of startling virtuosity.

The first track, ‘Tres notas para decirte te quiero’, offers solid balance and a warm clean sound with plenty of drums and percussion. The presence of the drummer Mino Cinelu is felt throughout the recording. The CD features only eight tracks, including instrumental music with noteworthy vocal collaborations, with Dieguito el Cigala on the alegrías, Montse Cortés in the title track (the name is more pretentious than the music, fortunately), and the singer Khaled (confirming the ease with which flamenco can be mixed with North African and Middle Eastern music).

There are voices without lyrics at several points, and one track of solo guitar: ‘Córdoba’, a soleá dedicated to the city that appears in all the photos of the CD booklet. The result is attractive, and may be marketed as "world music" and even as "new music" (with the sugary ‘Bolero de Vicente’, orchestrated by Amargós). This recording doesn’t seem to be designed to impress guitar enthusiasts, which is a step in the right

More information:

Interview with Vicente Amigo, guitarist