Amparo Sanchez is madam Amparanoia, of course. At least that is what she was for more than ten years. But she continued under her own fine name after the CD 'La Vida Te Da' in 2006, and the live recording 'Seguiré Caminando' of 2008.
Less 'mestizo' and, as a result, even more inspired by her great idols Billie Holiday, Chavela Vargas, Nina Simone... At least that's the way this engaging Spanish songstress sounds on the new CD 'Tucson-Habana' (via Pias).
'Tucson-Habana' is bursting with warmly glowing songs that sometimes refer more to Arizona and at other times more to Cuba. We're talking about recordings with John and Joey from Calexico in both cases: first cosy in their favourite Wavelab studio, later with the entire team to the legendary Egrem studio in La Havana (see also: Buena Vista Social Club!)
It's now become even more difficult to catalogue the ever-enthused Amparo Sanchez – maybe the world-chanson section is best? Still with that exquisitely sensational singing voice, which at the same time doesn't mince words.
She was a guest at the glorious AB Calexico concert in October 2008. Of course, if John and Joey are in the area, they're always welcome to drop in and see Amparo too, on this Thursday 29 April.