Ketama Album: “Toma Ketama”

Ketama representa lo mejor de lo que es el llamado "flamenco-pop" de Espana. Es una pena que sean los Gipsy Kings los unicos exponentes de este genero a nivel mundial.(y para colmo, son franceses!) Ketama posee una finura y elegancia que carece los Gipsy Kings, y esto es evidente en su musica. Ketama mezcla una infindad de ritmos y estilos tales como flamenco, rumba, salsa, bossa nova, bolero. etc. La calidad de produccion y grabacion es tambien magistral. Este CD es ideal para relajarte y tambien para bailar. No te lo pierdas!

I fell in love with Ketama's music during my visit to Barcelona in early November this year and have not stopped listening to this cd. Unfortunately, I don't speak Spanish and have no idea what the words are to most of the songs. (I must find someone to translate for me.) What I do know is that Ketama has a number one hit with this cd. Their music and expression of each song transcends any language barriers. Each song is fresh and lively with emotions that flow magically from one song to the other. I especially love track #11 (Agustito) which I can only describe as a very funky tune. I bought 2 copies of this wonderful cd--one for me and one for a cousin who could not make the trip to Spain due to illness. She, too, is in love with Ketama. People who hear Ketama's beautiful sound always want more. All I can say is...play on Ketama!

O.K. So this "gitano" (gypsy) group from Spain prefers to substitute 'K' for 'Q' and hard 'C' in all of their lyrics. I think that we'll allow them poetic license here. This is the kind of album that you will like the first time you hear it. Mind you, all of their music usually has this effect on most audiences. Flamenco and latin jazz coalesce in a most unique and tasteful manner that even non-Spanish speaking listeners will feel that they understand the lyrical themes of the songs. Usually, I have a hard time deciding whether I should sit back and enjoy the beautiful melodies or get up and dance! Strangely, this group, which is immensely popular in Spain, is relatively unknown in Latin America. Seems like Latin America has some "Katching" up to do.

Ketama is certainly one of the best pop flamenco bands out there, providing lively and spirited rhythms & song (definitely more so than the french group Gypsy Kings - much more varied and experimental) This is an enjoyable listen to keep your heart soaring and body moving! ...BUT... to continue Mr. Napoli's suggestions for the PURE flamenco, the absolute No.1 best example is CAMARON de la ISLA! No competition, the idol and major influence of all the younger (& older) flamenco singers... and as found in his repetoire, he also covered the pop (rumba) market as well, but NOTHING beats the raw gut-wrenching intensity of his cante junto!