Romero

"This is a real jewel from flamenco guitarist Juan Carlos Romero. From the first piece, 'Tran Tran', it is obvious that Romero is not a flashy player. Rather, his touch is one of limpid clarity, his playing, particularly in it's pace, radiating deep emotion and warmth rather than the coldness of pristine technique. On this disc he moves through many flamenco genres, all beautifully unified by his understated gentleness and quiet passion - and the similar unforced energy of his various guests, including singers Olivia and Carmen Molina and Naique.

"At the albums heart lies 'Rio Tinto', a breathtaking taranta which affirms the fact that this is essetialy the disc of an exquisite solo guitarist, But the non-solo tracks are just as enticing. The 'Fandangos de Huelva', which celebrate Romero's birth-place, are sung by the delicately decorative voices of Estrella Morente - to my mind one of Spain's greatest young singers. Morente, who spins lyrics and melody together like intricate fine lace, also appears in the sensual sevillanas 'Un Punao de Sal' (A Fist of Salt). For the farruca 'El Tiempo', meanwhile, we hear the feet of leading dancer Eva 'La Yerba Buena'.

"I can't praise this exciting and deeply satisfying disc enough. It should appeal both to those who have never heard flamenco guitar and to aficionados."
- Songlines