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When I first moved to Spain four years ago, I was as unfamiliar with Spanish music as I was of their culture of food, wine, architecture and art. My ignorance extended so far that I imagined Spain as a slightly more conservative and reserved version of South America. And although I could argue that this is partially correct, I failed to understand the complexities behind this incredibly layered and beautiful culture.

Part of what makes Spain so unique and special, is it’s approach to community and socialization. The street is your home. Filled with outdoor cafes, promenades, street performers and impromptu musical performances, life begins and ends under the bare star studded sky.

For me, it was truly a culture shock to join my four roommates and their dozen friends for a night of tapas, outdoor concerts or simply loitering in a plaza. While I was used to intimate conversations with close friends in wine bar, or enjoying a long lingering dinner in their backyard, Spain shook up my sense of word “gathering” to include a half dozen people hanging out in the street who most likely have known each other for the majority of their natural born lives. I was merely an outsider looking in, but warmly accepted for both my cultural similarities and differences.

However, although I was stunned and overwhelmed with the outdoor herd mentality, as days ebbed into months, my need for personal space and long, quiet conversations relaxed, and suddenly, I craved the impromptu songs, the free form dance styles and the “whatever” approach to time and obligations.

And in this cultural transformation, I was embraced by a sound I have forever weaved into my initial understanding of Spain, flamenco chill. Chambao, a flamenco-electronic band often covered by small groups of people in any given plaza in Madrid. Originally from Malaga, Andalucia, Spain, Chambao is renown for a ‘flamenco chill’ sound that interweaves flamenco sounds and palos (forms) with electronic music. La Mari del Mar is the lead vocalist, songwriter and producer of this ever evolving band; who if seen in concert, is said to be a whirlwind of vibrant energy and joy. Put another way, imagine a style of music that not only forces a smile on your face with its upbeat and rhythmic tones, but also creates a sense of freedom and personal expression, enticing your hips to move, your hands to clap and your body to sway and turn. The etymology of the name, Chambao, is taken from an improvised form of beach tent that is constructed so as to shelter you from nature’s harsh elements.

If you’ve never heard the music of Chambao, I highly suggest you take a moment and go to iTunes, Jango or Pandora to have a listen. It’s worth your time!

Vocabulary

el vestido de flamenco – flamenco dress
el bailarín – dancer
el cantante/la contante – singer
oír – to hear
escuchar – to listen
bailar – to dance
tocar – to play
aplaudir – to applause/clap
la canción – song
el tambor – drum
la guitarra – guitar
el golpeador – flamenco guitar

NOTE: A great way to learn Spanish is by listening to music. If you find a song of Chambao you like in Spanish, find the Spanish lyrics here and the English lyrics here. When you have a good understanding of the text, put the English lyrics away and sing along with the song over and over again with the Spanish lyrics in hand. What this does is not only stimulate both auditory and visual senses, but it helps you to gain a better understanding of the vocabulary, pronunciation and word order.

What is your favorite Spanish music to practice your language skills?

Saludos,

Gabriella

Gabriella Opaz is co-founder of Catavino.net – a website dedicated to Spanish and Portuguese wine