TECHARI - OJOS DE BRUJO
This is the second U.S. release for the Spanish group Ojos de Brujo, and it more than realizes the promise shown on its 2002 American debut disc, “Bari.” The gypsy heart that animates the ODB vibe is undeniable. This band is the sound of al-Andalus today — flamenco, rock, rap, funk and the keyboard scratch wizardry of DJ Panko. Asian Dub Foundation’s Parithpal Rajput guests on “dhol,” and Nitin Sawhney and Cuban tres guitarist Raul Rodriguez also contribute. Opening track “Color” is an intense bit of Iberian funk that captures the dynamism of ODB, leading the listener to further wonders such as “Todo Tiende.” For a taste of dramatic tension, check out “Piedras vs. Tanques,” an intriguing mix of melodicism and hard rock. A world-class album. Billboard
