MUJER LUNA

Ah yes, Spain, a center of culture in the dark ages, and Amarok makes us nostalgic for these times, with ancient sounding music borrowing from a variety of sources that have influenced the Spanish, from North African to Middle Eastern to Eastern European. The geographic breadth and superb playing are what make this album so interesting, though at times the musicians' own interests come across as somewhat clinical.

The lovely voice of Marta Segura enhances the music when tapped, but it is unfortunately not employed frequently enough. My favourite track is the beautiful but all too short "Nana Para El Hijo De La Tierra". In "Donde Estas mi Amor 7" her voice is matched to an almost Celtic melody and plays off with what sounds like a hammer dulcimer, which turns out to not be one of the 2 dozen instruments played! The most ambitious works are the longest, but they are only partially successful as cohesive works, the best of these being "Arabesca en 4 Mov" with its blended themes and fine flute playing. The album closes well with a rousing repeat of the "Donde estas..." theme on flute with organ backing, and sensitive piano fading to an almost jazzy close.

"Mujer Luna" certainly whets my appetite for more Amarok, and I hope it won't be a Azul Luna when I next hear an album by them.