The traditional music of Spain is a wild mishmash of influences from all over Europe and Africa -- in some places you'll hear lots of keening North African sounds, in others you'll hear rollicking Celtic jigs and reels. Madrid-based
La Musgaña's sound blends all of them together into a joyful welter of exotic melodies and rhythms, and this compilation celebrates their 20th anniversary with a fine collection of tracks taken from their many albums and live performances. The group's twin strengths lie in its instrumental virtuosity and in the flamboyant energy of its arrangements: the clearly audible Arabisms that wind through the song "Truvisqueira," the interplay between the accordion, hurdy-gurdy, and funk bass on "Pasodoble Portugués," the klezmer-ish clarinet that keens its vinegary way through "Charro Salmantino a Trio," the riotous 7/8 meter on "Siete per Ocho." Their weakness, which isn't disastrous, is a certain sameyness of tone, a pervasively thin and reedy sound that can get a bit tiresome, particularly when the local version of a bagpipe is featured (note, for example, how hard-toned the instrument is on "Aire Religioso"). Taken in measured doses, though, this collection is an exciting overview of the work of one of Europe's finest traditional ensembles. ~ Rick Anderson