Ramon Ruiz - Flamenco Guitar
Attab Haddad - Oud
Teymour Housego - Bansui and Flute
Genevieve Wilkins - Percussion

Ramon Ruiz - Anita'La Maltesa'
Featuring:
Segundo Falcon
Jose Amador
El Extremeno
Rafael Rodriguez

Alcazaba is a fusion band that has managed to successfully incorporate elements of Middle Eastern and Indian music into flamenco to create a vibrant and unique sound that can only be described as their own. Spellbinding melodies and dazzling displays of virtuosity played to the electrifying beats and heart-wrenching vocals of flamenco have given the band a dedicated following in both the flamenco and world music scenes in the UK. Whilst fusion bands come and go, Alcazaba has achieved longevity due to both the breadth of knowledge displayed by the individual band members.

This debut album is both familiar and unusual at the same time. Featuring the traditional flamenco guitar playing of Ramon Ruiz, combined with the delightful singing of Anita 'La Maltesa', who also rattles her feet. Both are highly skilled. The addition of a Cuban brass-section, some salsa-style arrangements and even a didgeridoo make for an unusual recording. Recorded in Seville, the album evokes hot Spanish evenings, with gunshot handclaps, impassioned vocals and superb flamenco playing. Some South American influences, Cuban-style piano, the vocals of Segundo Falcon and El Extremo also give the album more interesting flavors. Take off your shoes and open another bottle of wine

.Rating: * * * * Matthew Clark

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