Second in an ongoing attempt to get you to try some great World music from different cultures and nations is my entreaty to get you to listen to Amparo Sánchez’s album “Tucson-Habana” – an exceptional mix of soulful ballads and good ol’ pop.
She lists Janis Joplin, Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Calexico, T-Bone Burnett, Etta James and Cat Power amongst her influences and some of these come through forcefully on this album of soulful ballads that never strays far from some strong Latin flavours. This album
was recorded in 2009 and has been available for a while. Amparo’s band, Amparanoia, supported Calexico six years ago and a musical friendship was born. She is ably assisted by Joey Burns (guitar) and John Convertino (drums) of Calexico on this album and, with a suite of first class musicians, her first solo album is a highly satisfying listen indeed.
Production is crystal clear. Maybe this is where the T-Bone Burnett influence comes in. The opening track, “Aqui Estoy” (Here I am), whirls you straight to spaghetti western with sumptuous guitar chords that will have you spitting out your cheroot into the dust.
There is passion here and the ballads are sung with a heartfelt simplicity and clarity that I find very refreshing. Shuffle rhythms and unfussy bass underpin the heart felt stories in these songs.
Mariachi trumpet sweeps above the pulsing passion “Corazon de la Realidad” (Heart of La Realidad) . This contrasts with the sweet and gentle cello and piano accompaniment of “La Gato Bajo La Luvia” (The Cat under the rain) .
This Youtube HD clip of “Turista Accidental” (Accidental Tourist) whisks you to Tucson and was used as the promo for the album, I believe, and is well worth a watch.
There are contrasts here, and perhaps the greatest contrast is between Amparo’s previous work with her indie-rock band and this, her solo effort.
She has a wonderfully evocative voice which can be gentle, tearful, passionate and powerful. How I wish I could find a female Spanish singer to cover “Hoy” (Today) with me – so sexy.
Try it – it’s good. I wish I could roll my “r” s.
singlemaltmonkey 
Thanks for the tip-off. Sounds good.
Thanks for dropping by and commenting, John. I hope you like what you hear. I’m trying to come with stuff that’s not on everybody’s normal ipod. World music is not for everyone, I know, but there is some wonderful music out there.
Thanks for expanding my musical tastes. Good work!
Thanks Hook, I hope you like what you hear. More coming soon. 🙂
Hi Alan,
You seem to have a great interest in music.. I normally enjoy all the old songs n folk songs… A few new ones too…
N I really think there are many other songs which aren’t so hyped about like the ones from the famous artists… Found many such songs when i googled n i loved them too.. Depends on the kind of genre you like…
I love music, Ms Sunshine. It’s a big part of my life. Then couple that with my innate curiosity for all things artistic in this world I’ll always keep searching for different styles of music to appreciate. You’ve given me an idea for another music post -old songs rarely heard. I think I have a few tucked away somewhere. Thanks for dropping by commenting again.
Ooh, she’s goood! I love her voice, and the video–thank you much! 🙂
Yeah, I think she’s good too. I hope she keeps doing stuff like this and not disappearing back into indie rock ( which I also like as a genre, but this is great). Glad you liked it.
Great. It seems to be a very fantastic way to listen to this kind of music.
Glad you liked it Mr. Midnight, or is that Mr. Orgasm (?). Either way, thanks for stopping by and commenting and I hope you enjoy what you find here. 🙂