La Musgana 20 CD

The traditional music of Spain is a wild mishmash of influences from all over Europe and Africa -- in some places you'll hear lots of keening North African sounds, in others you'll hear rollicking Celtic jigs and reels. Madrid-based La Musgańa's sound blends all of them together into a joyful welter of exotic melodies and rhythms, and this compilation celebrates their 20th anniversary with a fine collection of tracks taken from their many albums and live performances. The group's twin strengths lie in its instrumental virtuosity and in the flamboyant energy of its arrangements: the clearly audible Arabisms that wind through the song "Truvisqueira," the interplay between the accordion, hurdy-gurdy, and funk bass on "Pasodoble Portugués," the klezmer-ish clarinet that keens its vinegary way through "Charro Salmantino a Trio," the riotous 7/8 meter on "Siete per Ocho." Their weakness, which isn't disastrous, is a certain sameyness of tone, a pervasively thin and reedy sound that can get a bit tiresome, particularly when the local version of a bagpipe is featured (note, for example, how hard-toned the instrument is on "Aire Religioso"). Taken in measured doses, though, this collection is an exciting overview of the work of one of Europe's finest traditional ensembles. ~ Rick Anderson

Authors: Chris Nickson; Rick Mason.

Personnel: Rafa Martin (vocals, bandurria); Manuel Luna (vocals); Carlos Beceiro (guitar, bajo sexto, bouzouki, cittern, mandola, viola, percussion); José Climent (guitar, violin); Diego Galaz (violin, percussion); Johnny Cunningham (violin); Jaime Muńoz (flute, bamboo flute, clarinet).

Recording information: Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis, MN.

Dirty Linen (p.69) - "Though deeply embedded in the music of Spain, the sound is a lilting blend that also includes West African and European dance music influences."