When Hip Hop Met Flamenco...

For all of you Spanish / World music fans out there, I know I'm way behind in discovering the band Ojos de Brujo so pardon my "I've just found Religion" enthusiasm for this group.

In case you didn't bother to read my bio over on the right, I am a Black American woman married to a Spaniard from Andalucia, so I am always trying to find examples of Black and Spanish cultures coming together that don't involve the Amistad, rum or sugar cane. And here I discover this Barcelona-based band of gypsy musicians who describe their sound as "hip hop flamenquillo." Their sound is decidedly Spanish, but the hip hop, reggae, world beat influence runs deep through their music and lyrics. It's like they're channeling their inner colored child without overdoing it. They're not trying to sound like Jay-Z with an accent, they're more into creating a new sound based on the delightful mix of colored people's music everywhere.

Currently on tour in the USA, the New York Times just ran a review of one of their two New York City performances. I love the group's passion and idealism and commitment to change the world, one song at a time.

If you get a chance, check out their latest album, Techari (Means free in the gypsy language of Spain), meditate on their lyrics and prepare to be enchanted by the "eyes of the sorcerer."

Hasta La Proxima Vez!