Barí

Customer Rating:
Summary: Gypsy flamenco hiphop? Yes!
Comment: Usually I don't like mixing of genres, not because I'm in favor of maintaining some hypothetical "purity" of the genre, but because such mixes usually don't work for me, when I want a type of music it's because I want that particular type of music. However, Barí works...bigtime. The singing is merely okay, but the music is really great! This is the CD that jam to when I have to drive on the freeway.

Customer Rating:
Summary: I really enjoy this music.
Comment: I first became an Ojos de Brujo fan when I downloaded their free song on iTunes, "Sultanas de Merkaillo" from their album "Techarí." I soon downloaded that entire album, and still wanted more Ojos de Brujo, so I bought this CD. It has the same feel as Techarí. It gets slow in some parts, but overall I really enjoy it. My favorites songs (in order) are "Calé Barí" and "Ventilaor R-80."

Customer Rating:
Summary: I almost wore this CD out!
Comment: If you love upbeat flamenco complete with vocals and lots of stomping and clapping, get this CD right now. It's so hard to find anything like this in the States - it makes me want to quit my life and move to Sevilla today!

Customer Rating:
Summary: Flamenco and hip hop fusion that works
Comment: Ojos de Brujo, "Eye of the Wizard", is a musician collective from Catalan Spain. Their music base is Flamenco but they bravely mix hip-hop, rap, and jazz in a fused frenzy of originality. Unlike most music fusions, Ojos de Brujo is able to remain true to its roots and still produce a unique sound. Their Bari Album of 2002 is their second release and the first time I heard it I was amazed at how they were able to join the deeply emotional lyrics of Flamenco with the more urban and street sound of hip-hop. Their lead singer, Marina Abad, can inspire deep emotions with her traditional Flamenco renditions but she inspires amazement when she breaks into a rap in the middle of the song Zambra. I hate to admit that I have been very biased when it comes to hearing rap from European bands, and usually found their attempts innocent at best, compared to the more real sound we hear in the USA. But Ojos de Brujo pulls it off because they are rapping about their emotions and world, and are able to incorporate rap lyrics into the pulse and rhythm of Flamenco, a music genre that is very much in their blood as much as culture. Do not get me wrong, 75% of the music is Flamenco on this album, but just when you think it is just the same traditional beat, they mix it up and hit you with a completely new sound. Ojos de Brujo is one of those jewels of originality and inspiration that you find by word of mouth, or by mistake, but when you hear them you know you are listening to something special. Ojos de Brujo's Bari album is a fruit of that genius and like all genius; it is fleeting and only temporary.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Rare energy
Comment: This is flamenco fusion but it is a brand new recipe, and it comes off fantastic. Energetic, with a strong flamenco beat cooked in with a variety of styles to produce an amazing collection of really excellent songs. If you like any of the new style flamenco with a beat, this is a must. Of the 30 second sample cuts provided by Amazon, listen to #2 Tiempo De Solea, and #5 Quien Engana No Gana, that will give you an excellent idea of how strong this album is.