Flamenco Rumba Guitarras

The Rumba

Rumbas are the youngest form of Flamenco. They belong to the group of the Ida y Vuelta-Flamenco rhythms (Ida y Vuelta = Departure and Return). In Flamenco this category contains rhythms like Columbianas, Milongas, Guajira and Rumbas with elements of Spanish Andalusian and South American elements. These rhythms were brought back to Spain by emigrants from Cuba and the Antilles. In Spain they were integrated into the Flamencos. It is not clearly distinguishable to what degree Spanish or South American elements dominate.

In the thirties Rumbas were first recorded onto vinyl records by flamenco singers. In the fifties the Rumbas Catalanas were very popular with the gypsies of Catalonia. Because of their general accessibility and their appealing rhythms the Rumbas have during these times gradually made their way onto tablaos (small stages) and into fiestas.

While Rumbas in the past were almost exclusively sung, later guitarists increasingly de-veloped an interest in exploring the Rumba as a musical form. With its distinctive and catchy melodies they are very suitable for improvisations which is in fact one of the original traits of Flamenco.

In recent times other influences of playing techniques and musical forms become noticeable, e.g. the collaboration of the three guitarists Paco de Lucía, John McLaughlin and Al Di Meola or the Spanish group Ketama.

On this CD, Rafa el Tachuela combines traditional Rumba Catalana and Flamenco with elements of Jazz, Afro-Cuban and South American folklore.

 

Musicians

Rafa El Tachuela - flamenco guitar, jaleos

Pablo Cárcamo - bass, drums, percussion, jaleos

Hossam Ramzy - percussion

La Moraima - zapateados, palmas, jaleos


Recorded in 1995 and 1996 at ARC Music Studios, East Grinstead, UK
All titles composed, arranged and produced by Rafa El Tachuela

Executive producer: Horst Tubbesing
Engineering and mixing: Pablo Cárcamo and Rafa El Tachuela
Premaster: Diz Heller
Photo of Rafa El Tachuela: Klaus Michalek