Del Canto Gitano: Music of Ancient Andalusia

The Moorish-occupied Iberian Peninsula, usually referred to as Al-Andalus, is an endless source of fascination. It was a period of scientific and medical progress, where Islamic and Christian cultures met. In addition, with its combination of Arabic, Sephardic, Castilian, Greek and other influences, it is often cited as the crucible from which flamenco was created. In reality, no one knows what the music of that period was like, which leaves the door open for any number of imaginative suggestions. The Argentinian guitarist and producer Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde takes an interesting, modern and musical approach, rather than an academic one, and assumes more Indian influence than many.

The songs are led by flamenco or baroque guitar, with violin, percussion and European and Indian vocals. Alongside songs from the period are new instrumentals composed by Lusardi Monteverde with reference to Indian ragas and flamenco palos. It's remarkable that he can breathe new life into an overdone traditional song like ‘Tres Morillas’ and most of his originals are refreshingly clear and atmospheric. A few tracks, like ‘Os Que a Santa María Saben Fazer Reverença’ from the 13 th- century Cantigas de Santa Maria, are a little weak, but overall this is a lovely and fascinating album.