Martirio - Mucho Corazon (2003)

Martirio is a longtime Spanish chanteuse with a pan-Latin style. On Mucho Corazon, she collects some of her favorite songs, whether from Bolivia ("Las Palmeras"), Cuba (the title track and others), or even Portugal ("Maria La Portuguesa," with its delving into the fado tradition). There's a jazz touch to many of the arrangements, which suits them well, and Martirio's voice is a gorgeously supple instrument which makes you wonder why she's not better-known outside the Latin world. There are also some exquisite flamenco touches -- Martirio is definitely a roots rather than a pop singer. She's comfortable with music from all the Latin countries, even the complexities of Brazil, as she demonstrates on "Manana De Carnaval," a little gem of a piece. There's a great deal of thought in the music here, not only in the selection of songs, but in their meaning to the singer, and the style of the arrangements, which offer variety, but always frame her voice perfectly. A remarkable disc, and hopefully the first American release of many for her. ~ Chris Nickson

Martirio (vocals); Raul Rodriguez (flamenco guitar, tres, percussion); Paco De Amparo (flamenco guitar); Jerry Gonzalez (trumpet); Antonio Serrano (harmonica); Chano Dominguez (piano); Javier Colina (doubble bass); G. McGill (drums).