Puertas Abiertas the beautifully designed first CD of Raphael Brunn is wonderful. The open doors of the title are an invitation to visit past, present and future.
Alegria a mi Padre (Joy to my Father) starts with a door opening. Someone walks in. The rhythm starts and steals the attention.
For those who have seen Raphael’s father in action—Francis Brunn, the greatest juggler in the world—the minimalist intro vividly evocates the amazing moves which composed Francis’s act.
Then guitar and song take us to the present, for an amazing display of the talent of Raphael Brunn and his Flamenco Quintet. Bulerias, Rumbas, Taranta or Tango, whatever you’re listening to, you’ll be on the edge of your seat! There are no repetitions, no imitations here. With all original compositions, his style is uniquely his own.
PUERTAS ABIERTAS will surprise you, intrigue you, inspire you and delight you. El duende, the ephemeral form of artistic grace—so difficult for the poet to describe, so rare for the performer to possess—appears not once but several times in the core of songs and compositions.
When Raphael concludes with Dejando Huellas (Leaving Fingerprints), he offers an irresistible march, joyful and breathless, a walk toward tomorrow... And it ends with laughter, which leaves you with a smile.
In his first CD, Raphael Brunn leads his Flamenco Quintet with the soul of an accomplished Maestro and the grace of a tightrope walker. The music pulls you in. When the CD ends, I challenge you not to listen to it again!
