Alone and blue
I had first listened to Juan Shaman a few years ago, when his album Reevolucion was published on Jamendo. I was impressed by his very characteristic voice and the dark, rhythmic melodies of his songs, while his lyrics reminded me a little of Lorca's poetry - highly evocative, sometimes surreal, but also close to the pure lyrical and audacious imagery of traditional songs.
It was a marvellous surprise to find his newly published two-CD album and discover another facet of his music, this time exploring the coexistence of acoustic and electronic instruments. The use of synth sounds and effects blended with guitars and piano results in a quite unexpected, but harmonious mix of sonorities. The sound, rich, multilayered and profound, is captivatingly melodious, complemented by the voice which is as beautiful as in Reevolucion, but has acquired a new distinctive texture, sweeter and more assertive at the same time.
The album manages to be both diverse and unified as a total, although I will admit a slight preference for the first part (especially Solos y Azules, Alma de Chocolate and Pausa en el Camino) and Encanto, Luciernagas and Lucero from the second CD, as well as the bonus track.
The cover of Solos y Azules is also gorgeous in both its versions (a differently coloured variation for each of the CDs, corresponding to the two parts of the title, Alone and Blue), illustrating the powerfully poetic disposition of the lyrics.
An extremely interesting album and a definite must-listen!
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