Internationally recognised as the creators of 'flamenco chill', Andalucian band Chambao hailed a large crowd of Spanish fans, as well as students and an older clientele to their concert at the Warwick Arts Centre.

But being unfamiliar with both the language and the music proved no obstacle to enjoying the experience.

Singer Maria de Mar Rodriguez's powerful but sensual voice emphasised the beauty of the Spanish tongue. She brought a refreshing touch to the normal gig experience by forcing audience members to focus on different musicians in the band by turning her whole body towards whoever was taking the lead and ignoring her listeners - even when she was singing to them.

A variety of instruments including both acoustic and electric guitars, a flute, saxophone, keyboard, drums and maracas, fused together traditional flamenco rhythms with nightclub beats - and even a hint of Middle-Eastern musical influences peeped through occasionally.

Rodriguez took great pleasure in chatting enthusiastically to her audience, but the only English words she uttered were: "Good evening. My English is terrible."

Her charm and all the band members' visible but relaxed enjoyment of being there meant that we did not need to understand her words for us to instinctively warm to Chambao.

Sundari Sankhar



Verdict: Powerful and sensual