Paco De Lucía ‎– Cositas Buenas

Paco de Lucía – Cositas Buenas

A masterful expression of modern flamenco, Cositas Buenas finds legendary Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucía reconnecting with the roots of Andalusian music while continuing to expand its expressive possibilities. Originally released in 2003, this acclaimed album marked his return to the studio after five years and earned the Latin Grammy Award for Best Flamenco Album in 2004.

Born Francisco Sánchez Gómez in Algeciras, Andalusia, Paco de Lucía transformed the international perception of flamenco through his extraordinary technique, rhythmic sophistication and willingness to embrace new musical influences. His groundbreaking collaborations with musicians from jazz, Latin and other musical traditions helped bring flamenco to audiences around the world. On Cositas Buenas, however, he places a renewed emphasis on the raw energy, rhythmic intricacy and emotional intensity of traditional flamenco, bringing these elements into a fresh contemporary setting.

Across eight compositions, the album explores several distinctive flamenco forms, including bulerías, tangos, soleá and tientos, alongside the infectious rhythms of rumba. Rapid-fire guitar passages, intricate melodic phrasing, handclaps, percussion and expressive vocals combine to create music that is both deeply rooted in tradition and strikingly alive. The arrangements favour the interaction between musicians, allowing the rhythmic pulse and spontaneous-feeling exchanges to take centre stage.

The title track, “Cositas Buenas,” captures the album's lively, rhythmically intricate character, while “Antonia” offers a more reflective expression of de Lucía's artistry. Dedicated to his daughter, the piece draws on the expressive vocabulary of flamenco to create a particularly personal moment. Elsewhere, “Patio Custodio” showcases the driving momentum of bulerías, one of flamenco's most rhythmically exhilarating forms.

The album's collaborative spirit adds further depth. Fellow flamenco guitarist Tomatito appears on “Que Venga el Alba,” which incorporates a previously recorded vocal performance by the legendary Camarón de la Isla, one of the most influential singers in flamenco history. The recording creates a powerful connection between generations of artists who helped shape the genre's modern identity. The album also features an accomplished supporting cast of singers and musicians, with production shared by de Lucía and Javier Limón.

Rather than treating flamenco as a museum piece, Cositas Buenas demonstrates how its traditional structures can remain adventurous, expressive and relevant. The guitar playing is technically dazzling without losing its sense of feeling, and the combination of intricate rhythms, passionate vocals and tightly integrated ensemble performances makes the record rewarding for both dedicated flamenco enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.

For collectors of Spanish music, world music, acoustic guitar and contemporary flamenco, Cositas Buenas is a compelling addition to the catalogue of one of the twentieth century's most influential guitarists. An award-winning recording that honours flamenco's heritage while pushing its musical language forward, it stands as an essential album for anyone exploring Paco de Lucía's remarkable legacy.

Tracklist

1. Patio Custodio

2. Cositas Buenas

3. Antonia

4. El Dengue

5. Volar

6. El Tesorillo

7. Que Venga el Alba

8. Casa Bernardo