Calima

Amazon.com
Calima translates as "heat," and that's exactly what nuevo flamenco guitar virtuoso Gerardo Núñez generates on his sophomore release. Nowhere is it better typified than on "Sancti Petri," his incendiary collaboration with two other guitarists, the duo of Strunz & Farah, where cascades of notes go by virtually faster than the ear can take them in. Elsewhere Núñez plays a variety of flamenco styles, including sevillanas and bulerías, as well as an ambitious paso doble. But while Núñez has his roots in the tradition, he doesn't stick to it religiously. Like most nuevo flamenco players, he expands the genre, taking in jazz on the title track with sterling piano work from Danilo Pérez. He also journeys into New Age territory as well as pure worldbeat. Núñez leaves plenty of room for sparkling improvisation on the balmy closer, "Tarifa," where bassist John Patitucci shines. Essentially, this album shows Núñez to be a flamenco musician for the 21st century, a man coming into his prime as an artist. --Chris Nickson

Tracks:

Plaza De Arenal (Solea Por Bulerias)
Sevilla (Sevillanas)
Calima
Sahara
Tabaco Y Oro (Pasodoble)
Salmedina (Granaina)
Bajamar
Sancti Petri (Rumba)
Plazuela (Solea)
Tarifa (Buleria)

Amazon.com

Calima translates as "heat," and that's exactly what nuevo flamenco guitar virtuoso Gerardo Núñez generates on his sophomore release. Nowhere is it better typified than on "Sancti Petri," his incendiary collaboration with two other guitarists, the duo of Strunz & Farah, where cascades of notes go by virtually faster than the ear can take them in. Elsewhere Núñez plays a variety of flamenco styles, including sevillanas and bulerías, as well as an ambitious paso doble. But while Núñez has his roots in the tradition, he doesn't stick to it religiously. Like most nuevo flamenco players, he expands the genre, taking in jazz on the title track with sterling piano work from Danilo Pérez. He also journeys into New Age territory as well as pure worldbeat. Núñez leaves plenty of room for sparkling improvisation on the balmy closer, "Tarifa," where bassist John Patitucci shines. Essentially, this album shows Núñez to be a flamenco musician for the 21st century, a man coming into his prime as an artist. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Calima by Gerardo Nunez.......2006-08-11

Great guitar playing, very relaxing yet erotic. Highly recommend. Will surely take a listen to this artist other cd's.

Real "new" flamenco.......2004-04-17

For fans, this is really Nunez redux. To my mind, that makes it all the better, seeing that he brings experience and maturity to the pieces.

Gerardo is a guitarist who has got lumped with the whole "nuevo flamenco" movement. This is an injustice. Here we have an album that shows true innovation within an authentic flamenco framework, rather than a kitsch pastiche, as perpetrated by Ottmar Liebert et al.

Now, while I might agree with some in the flamenco world who might argue that Gerardo is not true "flamenco puro" and will point to the likes of Nino Ricardo as masters of duende, the enlightened of that group should still accept this work. To do otherwise would be akin to dismissing Eric Clapton because he doesn't convey the same blues authenticity that Robert Johnson did; who cares? He's taking it further.

The pieces here are not all new: many have appeared in different, even more "technique-oriented" versions on his Spain-only albums "El Gallo Azul" and others (those who like Calima really should try to get this album, as it is awesome). However, what we have here is confidence, economy and confidence.

His Bulerias, which in "Gallo" far outstrips any Jorge Strunz excursion for sheer stunning technical display, in this album is relatively restrained, but masterful. His other pieces, espcially "Tabaco Y Oro" show sheer poetry in his touch, something almost every guitarist outside of flamenco (even S&F) seem incapable of emulating. And the Jazz-fusion pieces are truly awesome pieces that remind me of some of the best Chick Corea recordings (a tribute to Danilo).

Of course, an example of this "touch" is in his trio piece with S&F. While they run out their predictable flurries of notes (albeit, a little out of sync, would you believe?), Gerardo seems almost as though he doesn't want to be brought down to that level, instead laying out a powerful, alzapua-driven solo that is pure feeling.

In some respects more melodic than Paco de Lucia and certainly more accessible, both flamenco novices and enlightened afficianados alike should find something here. I certainly hope he records again.

Real "new" flamenco.......2004-04-15

For fans, this is really Nunez redux. To my mind, that makes it all the better, seeing that he brings experience and maturity to the pieces.

Now, while I might agree with some in the flamenco world who might argue that Gerardo is not true "flamenco puro" and will point to the likes of Nino Ricardo as masters of duende, the enlightened of that group will still accept this. To do otherwise would be akin to dismissing Eric Clapton because he doesn't convey the same blues authenticity that Robert Johnson did; who cares? He's taking it further.

His Bulerias, which in in "Gallo" far outstrips any Jorge Strunz excusrion for sheer stunning technical display, in this album is relatively restrained, but masterful. His other pieces, espcially "Trafalgar" show sheer poetry in his touch, something almost every guitarist outside of flamenco (even S&F) seem incapable of emulating. And the Jazz-fusion pieces are truly awesome pieces that remind me of some of the best Chick Corea recordings (a tribute to Danilo).

In some respects more melodic than Paco de Lucia and certainly more accessible, both flamenco novices and enlightened afficianados alike should find something here. I certainly hope he records again.

A True Essential.......1999-06-22

The first time I listened to this cd I was greatly dissapointed. Too many guitar cd's have no real melody, and all sound about the same after a while.. little did I know. After about a hundred listenings, I can truly say this album has grown on me. The complexity of the rythyms and the melodies are nothing short of pure genius.. With greater understanding and comprehension aquired with each listening. The jazz mixed into this album is phenomenal.. but the cymbals in track seven are the most amazing thing I've Ever heard. Noting in this cd stands too far out, and every piece is essential.. Just as this cd should be to any flamenco collection.

Absolutely astounding........1999-04-10

This album is nothing short of gorgeous. The songs are highly stylized and latent with imagery and rich textures. If you have an appreciation for jazz, then you'll enjoy Geraldo's subtle injection of jazz styles into songs such as the title track, "Calima." Yet the CD also incorporates more traditional styles (with a unique nuevo flameco twist), ranging from the bulerias, pasodoble, to the rumba. The use of "palmas," or hand clapping, perfectly compliments the virtuoso rapid-fire playing of Mr. Nunez.

For those who are frustrated with flamenco recordings that have a lot of static and white noise, this CD will be an answer. The quality of the recording is impeccable, with lots of bass, providing a very "full" sound.

Ever since I've witnessed Geraldo in concert, I've been an avid fan. Needless to say, his recordings have secured a berth in my CD changer. Be forewarned: this music will consume you. It's probably more addictive than heroin, except with the benefit of being good for your soul.

Flamenco is to Spain as the blues is to the United States. It has the potential to shake you to the very core of your existence. Mr. Nunez has fulfilled that potential perfectly with songs like "Tabaco y Oro" and "Calima," among others. The songs are an eloquent essay on all that is beautiful and all that is tragic in life. This music is uplifting, it's romantic, it's tender, and it's sexy.

Nuevo Paraiso
Average customer rating:
Nuevo Paraiso
Calima
Manufacturer: Calima
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music
Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music
General | Latin Music | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAGOGC
Release Date: 2003-09-23