Our obsession with the compositions of Martin Lloyd Howard seems to grow with every listen. We last featured the artist when he tapped into the element of water for the intricate and hypnotic Rapids, so when we heard that Martin was back with Hidden Andalucia, we had a feeling that we might be in for an adventure, and couldn’t wait to share our experience.
Hidden Andalucia opens with a cinematic guitar performance, aligned with Martin’s recent work and affection for the instrument and the folk genre. He plays with such poetic emotion, perfect for the opening scenes of an episode of Bridgerton or a Pedro Almodóvar film.
The piece is laced with drama and subtle tempo shifts, which feel highly organic and deeply human. We appreciate the high spiritual quotient, as it is both meditative, classical and evolves with and a sincere nod to the iconic Andalusian culture.
The descending riffs give the piece dimensionality, and we are reminded why the flamenco guitar became a defining instrument of southern Andalusia. It evolved from medieval stringed instruments influenced by Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Romani musical traditions over centuries.
In the culture, it is deeply tied to flamenco music and dance, and Martin’s composition evokes just that energy. This is also reflected by the artwork. The fusion piece truly comes to life as a dance, and his expressive guitar techniques would perfectly accompany singing and storytelling that reflects the region’s history and heritage.
Speaking on the release, Martin expands, “It is a fusion of two musical traditions. The opening and closing parts are loosely based on the work of John Dowland, the well-known Elizabethan lutenist and composer. The central section blends in a series of flamenco themes. I have tried to ensure that these contrasting styles come together in a way which is musically coherent.”
Needless to say, we continue to be in awe of what Martin Lloyd Howard creates, and have added Hidden Andalucia to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream his exquisite wider discography, and anticipate future releases.