España

I can’t believe I’ve never been to Spain. I talk about going, but then I think about how I’ve never been to France, either. Then I miss Italy, where I lived for two summers before I turned 17, and think about going back there. So I keep postponing all those trips. But I’ve decided Spain can’t wait past late 2009. Besides taking in all the exquisite flavors, sights, and sounds (especially a little live flamenco), I’d like to learn more about my Spanish roots (my great great grandfather was from the town of Castilla La Vieja). But the real reason I’ll head there soon is to feel closer to my favorite Spanish singer/songwriter, Alejandrito Sanz. There’s gotta be more of those where he came from, no?

Meanwhile, I’m listening to Putumayo World Music’s newest Latin-centric release, España, an eclectic new mix of songs by contemporary artists from across the motherland. One genre I didn’t know too much about is mestizo (from the northeastern province of Catalonia, which incorporates pop, rock, jazz, reggae, rumba, and flamenco). Artists from Barcelona like Calima, Gertrudis, Gossos and well established rumba flamenco artist Peret are among the hip fusionists representing the mestizo sound on this set. Madrid-reared singer and guitarist Jairo Zavala (a.k.a DePedro), whose recently released debut album I consider to be one of the freshest things I’ve heard in a minute, is also featured here.

And there’s more from Galicia, Valencia (mmm…paella!), and Basque Country, to name a few.

España also features a recipe by top Basque chef Eva Arguinaño.

Enjoy!

O Zelador

Feminista