Product description CAMILO MICHEL / TOMATITO SPAIN .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.
K**G
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.
W**Y
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.
G**S
Beautiful sounds of passion!
Bought this CD because of Tomatito. I really expected more "hard core" flamenco guitar exhibited, and that is the reason for the 4 ...stars and not 5. The album exhibits a more "jazzy" style due in part to the presence of the piano element.However, I must say that the album is great, Tomatito's guitar is perfectly complemented by Camilo's piano, with passion ever present in every note.Tomatito has a way of "talking" with the guitar, such that it gives you goosebumps!... sit back an enjoy track 3 (Besame Mucho) WOW!!!Altogether this makes an excellent album to own and enjoy beautiful passionate tunes, played with the heart and a lot of talent.y Ole!
J**O
Disappointing
These are two excellent musicians, and in the case of Tomatito, one of the finest musicians of his genre in the world. The music was pleasant but it did not have any emotional content. Tomatito was under utilized.
Z**I
Five Stars
Good
W**R
Good buy. Great sounds.
Good buy. Great sounds.
R**S
Five Stars
Great listening. Master musicians
N**Z
Five Stars
First rate interpretation and excelent recording.
R**C
Absolutely brilliant ! I love it !
What a great record! It is just a pleasure to listen to those 2 great musicians. Michel Camilo is in my opinion one of the finest jazz piano players in the world and Tomatito is a flamenco legend ! And they make a great combination. I normally listen to the whole cd and as soon as it finishes, I play it again from the start ! It is that good! My only criticism is that it is just too short ! Only 45 mins ! Come on guys ! I want more ! I guess I'll just have to buy "Spain Again" now ! I'm hooked, this stuff is too good, it's addictive ! If you like great music, just buy it ! Highly, highly recommended !
M**A
Stands the test of time
Bought Spain through Amazon originally in 2003. Hadn't listened to it in years, happened upon it while unpacking after a move, popped it into the CD player. As good, and seamless, as when I first heard it (in a bar in Spain, as it happens) a decade ago. I was afraid it would sound trite or passé. An album that has stood the test of time well - and a classic of fusion.
M**S
Camilo finds the right ingrediet with Tomatito
Excellent CD - superb playing throughout - a CD for anytime. I have many Camilo CD's which are ok however, I think this collaboration is his best so far.
T**L
Heard this in a shop and went out to buy the album
This is very good background sound for when you have people over. The best song is track four. Love it.
Z**I
Five Stars
SUPER
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