Cleopatra Records [Release date 16.02.24]
‘Versatae’ marks something of a departure for the master flamenco guitar player who is held in the same esteem as players like Paco Pena and Paco de Lucia.
Rafael Riqueni has lent his skills to interpretations of rock classics and a handful of “standards”. The choice of repertoire may seem predictable, crowned by his take on ‘Stairway To Heaven’. But do we need any more acoustic covers of this song, especially after Rodrigo y Gabriela’s frenetic version?
However, he does tackle the perhaps less obvious. I wondered if the track ‘Europa’ would be the classic instrumental performed by Santana, and sure enough it is almost unrecognisable for its acoustic treatment.
But, elsewhere, the air of predictability persists and what emerges is fairly straightforward renditions of songs like ‘Just The Two Of Us’ and ‘Every Breath You Take’. Among the standouts there is an appealing version of Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On.’ The bonus tracks include a duet with Ben E. King (‘Spanish Harlem’) and a cover of ‘Yesterday’.
There are various approaches that can be taken with an album like this: either a fairly straight run-through, dramatic rearrangements, digging out obscure tracks that lend themselves to the acoustic/flamenco treatment, or embellished with a rhythm section.
Flamenco playing is naturally percussive but I couldn’t help thinking this album might have been enhanced with some sympathetic bass and drums which may have given the whole a more “progressive” and contemporary feel. Purists of course might think differently.
A fine album, though, to have playing in the background when entertaining dinner guests. ***
Review by David Randall
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