Chambao

The trailblazing flamenco chill outfit from Malaga had just passed the first decade mark, and what better way to celebrate than with their first album of original material in five years? Chambao, their 2012 opus, introduces only one significant change, the replacement of usual producer Bob Benozzo with Carlos Raya, a well-known producer, arranger, and guitarist (Fito & Fitipaldis, M-Clan). Since Raya comes from a rock background, one would expect a different, perhaps more aggressive sound, but he seems content to discreetly blend his skills into the group's stylish, well-proven formula of (subdued) flamenco and electronica, with hints of Mediterranean and world music. Guests include Chucho Valdés, Josemi Carmona, Carles Benavent, and Ismael Tamayo. ~ Mariano Prunes