[ojos de brujo at the roundhouse]

Lastnight we went to the Roundhouse in London. What an amazing space. The structure, the architecture, the chilled out vibe, and the abso*&$#inglutely fantabulastic performance by the Spanish group Ojos de Brujo (Eyes of the Wizard). A fitting name for a magical group. They are light years beyond Flamenco music. The group had an energetic dj scratching (DJ Panko) who would also periodically run around the stage. The flamenco guitarist Ramón Giménez (a gypsy by birth) did some amazing breakdancing which really wowed and bewildered the crowd (at least those who hadn't ever seen Ojos live). The lead singer, Marina Abad, had a husky, soulful voice that didn't quite fit with her jubilant political repartee which she shared between each song. The video the group had streaming on the screen in the background (you can see this in the you tube video) highlighted their political thinking and seemed to suggest that music does have the power to change and educate. It was brilliant.

They're playing next in Edinburgh and then Barcelona, now that would be an experience. If you want to keep up to date with the band's journey, check out their blog.

YAY for you tube! I didn't have any recording device on me but loads of other people did.