Paco de Lucía & Group: Jazz

Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucía (born Francisco Sánchez Gómez) plays his nimble brand of flamenco-flavored jazz in this live performance from Germany's Germeringer Jazztage. Although several accompanists join in, de Lucía spends most of the time with his legs crossed and eyes closed for this 1996 six-song set featuring "Playa del Carmen," a piece originally recorded with pianist Chick Corea. To the rhythms of the opening number, "Mi Niño Curro," two band mates add gentle claps and foot taps. For "El Pañuelo," the rest of the seven-member ensemble fills out his sound with flute (Jorge Pardo), vocals (Pepe de Lucía), and additional guitar (Ramón de Algeciras and Juan Manuel Canizares). De Lucía's brother, Pepe, brings to mind the devotional Qawwali singing of the late Pakistani vocalist Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, while Pardo recalls a more Latin-oriented Herbie Mann. Other musicians include bass player Carlos Benavent, percussionist Rubem Dantas, and dancer Joaquin Grilo, who adds visual interest by contributing tap steps to several numbers. De Lucía finally seems to snap out of his trance during the last song, "Buana, Buana, King Kong" (and while watching Pardo play the soprano saxophone, de Lucía breaks into his one and only smile). Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)