This recording is somehow a consequence of two happenings which took place before. The first and most obvious is ACT’s Jazzpaña series which has already hit its first decade anniversary. The second is Jazz At the Berlin Philharmonic cycle when two guitarists met and performed together for the first time. One of this great ideas Mr. Loch comes to from time to time. This also means as well that there is a well prepared audience already around to appreciate it.
Gerardo Núñez, Jerez born Spanish guitar master always was and will remain a part of both as well. Ulf Wulkenius as such needs no introduction for those who are familiar with Siggy’s stables. He is probably the most versatile guitarist on the label’s menu and often takes a part in some unusual collaborations.
Here those two continue a dialogue which started on stage and left them both enchanted and wanting more. That much I can understand being Ulf’s big fan. Núñez style, being a natural continuation of Paco De Lucia‘s one with all its wide open windows for worldwide influence. Here with his Flamenco Nuevo movement he consequently continues what his great mentor started.
Tracks involving the singer: Cancun are most close to original Andalusian style. A deeply emotional thing referring directly to Gitano tradition and Cante Jondo style. Still, the guitar accompaniment remains lighter and more melodic than tightly connected to the rhythm. This makes all the more like a Fiesta with dancy foundation more visible . It is a perfect introduction to the world of Great Flamenco tradition for all those who would like to follow. Probably too easy listening for die hard flamenco fans.
That’s what makes it the most valuable core of this recording mentioned in the earlier two guitar dialogue. This one belongs to Andalusian tradition and comes from a hot southern heart of Arabo – Judeo – Gypsy culture melting pot. The other is a child of Northern soil straight from the Swedish fjords. Putting those two together is far from an expected choice for the first reflection. Further on however if you think of the richness of multiple layered Scandinavian folk tradition. It doesn’t look that strange any more, does it ?
Music is mirror of what sounds in your Soul as they say and I agree. Rawness of the surrounding nature was always the first theme which people paid attention to around the world in every musical tradition. Especially in Folk which originates, just like blues, from fields where pheasants of the world left their blood and sweat. At the end of the day Flamenco is Folk too, hence no surprise that Folks from both extremely austere parts of the World, each in its own way , have actually a lot in common.
Style here is the Key and those who know Ulf know as well that he ate his bread from many different bakes. No surprise then that his Nordic dance is covering Núñez’s Spanish footprints as close as it gets , clearly proving that , like a religion, music has the same common roots. It only takes a sensitive Soul enough to tie the loose ends.