A la manera artesana
ARC, 2022
8/10
Listen to A la manera artesana
A Toledo rooted outfit with a penchant for tribal like sounds and creative world music nods, Vigüela makes great use of castanets, tambourines, shearing scissors, cowbells, sieves, and the lute-like bandurria medieval fiddle, among others, across these 21 Spanish songs.
“Estrellitas matutinas (Morning Stars)” opens the listen with swiftly strummed strings and gorgeous, flowing vocals in the very cultured climate, and “Quisiera y no quisiera (I Would Want to and I Wouldn’t)” follows with a snappy spirit of festive song craft that will certainly get your body moving.
Deeper into the listen, “Ay, Vivito del alma (Ay, Vivito of My Soul)” emits a vocally strong and soulful demeanor, while “Antón, a la miel (Antón, to the Honey)” radiates a nearly gospel flavor with its fluid vocal harmonizing.
Close to the end, “Finiquito de un gañán (Severance Pay of a Farmhand)” pairs expressive singing with muzzled brass like sounds, and “Camina (Walk)” exits the listen with bright winds and the poetic singing making a lasting impression.
A listen with no shortage of sturdy rhythms, fluent vocal melodies and timeless folk nods, Vigüela turn in a very rich and captivating listen.
Travels well with: Deepak Pandit/Pratibha Singh Baghel- Inheritance; Batila- Tatamana