Track Listing

1. Spain Intro
2. Spain
3. Besame Mucho
4. Mi Ni�o Jos�
5. Two Much/Love Theme
6. Para Troilo y Salg�n
7. Vacilona
8. Aire de Tango

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #45847 in Music
• Released on: 2000-06-13
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Amazon.com
This dynamic duo of Dominican pianist-composer Michel Camilo and Spanish flamenco guitarist Tomatito is an intricate improvisational exchange that traverses the Afro-Iberian world, from the Moorish castles of Alhambra to the azure-tinged Caribbean coasts of Havana and Santo Domingo. Camilo and Tomatito met in Spain in the early 1990s, performed together in 1997, and toured in the summer of 1999. Camilo's florid and fleet-fingered, classically trained pianism is a beautiful counterpoint to Tomatito's passionate, plectral poetry, which combines the precision of the great classical guitarist Andrés Segovia and the flair of Paco De Lucia. Together, they reinterpret the works of several Latin composers with vigor and vitality, including Consuelo Velazquez's immortal bolero/cancion, "Besame Mucho," and Luis Salinas's elegant "Aire de Tango." Camilo's "Two Much/Love Theme" and Tomatito's "La Vacilona" highlight the depth and breadth of their interplay. They reach their zenith on "Spain Intro," their incredible adapted Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, which silkily segues into the sensual Gypsy dance of Chick Corea's "Spain." Let's hope that these two will continue to explore the pan-Hispanic inventions and dimensions of their shared musical heritage. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews

outstanding playing, with NO problems in the mix
This CD is outstanding, but other reviewers have already told you that. What you should know is that, contrary to a previous review, the mix on this CD excellent.....the piano and guitar volumes are just where they should be, and the interplay between the two musicians is very much a give-and-take, with each player equally represented by the time the disc is over. Tomatito is NOT in the background in volume or in participation, despite what the other reviewer claimed. These are two virtuosos, showing the playful and masterful synergy they developed while touring together before the recording of this album. They seem to be able to read each others minds....dancing around the various themes in wonderful flights of improviation while keeping the undercurrent of the song intact. A great, great record.

Awesome Twosome
I had the opportunity to hear and see Michel and Tomatito in concert in June at Carnegie Hall. It was like reading the book and then seeing the movie. Seeing them "live' made this release so much more meaningful when I received it. I find myself playing these tunes at high volume trying to get that "live" feel. Having known Michel for many years I know he is a genuine nice, caring and talented musician. If you like piano, guitar, or spanish music this is a great one for your collection and a great gift idea. Online is probably the best place to find this release because many stores are not on the distribution list and you might have to special order, so save yourself the time and order online TODAY! Remember 5 Stars *****

It Cries Out For A Wider Audience
For some time, I have been aware of the work of Michel Camilo and was familiar with Tomatito through some flamenco recordings that I have. But I never knew they made a couple of CDs together until I spotted another of their CDs called Spain Again in a local book and music store. What drew me in was their musical tribute to Astor Piazzolla on that CD. So when I got home, I came to amazon and ordered both Spain and Spain Again at a much better price than the local store charged. And while the one that drew me to the collaboration of Camilo and Tomatito is excellent, Spain is simply outstanding.
Though I like the whole CD, several cuts stand out. The industry reviewer doesn't even mention the best one, Para Troilo y Salgan (dedicated, no doubt, to the great tango masters Anibal Troilo and Horacio Salgan), on which Tomatito electrifies the listener with his crisp and rapid-fire yet flawless play. Beyond that one the best tunes are the title cut, which fans of Chick Corea and/or Al DiMeola will instantly recognize; an intricate and enchanting Besame Mucho; and a dazzling La Vacilona which is imbued with the rhythms of Spanish America.
If ever a CD cried out for a wider audience, Spain is one that is deserving. The interplay between these two virtuosos is spectacular. It has been playing over and over in my office all day, filling me with bliss and making my work more enjoyable.
Obviously, if you're reading the reviews of this CD, you already have some interest in this type of music. This is one of the best of the genre that I've heard in ages. So buy Spain confidently knowing you can't possibly be disappointed in any aspect of the CD except its brevity.