Buika: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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Published 2013-08-26

Concha Buika's voice doesn't come from inside her petite body: It comes from Africa, and from the past. There are obvious traces of flamenco, itself a historical mash-up of the Moors and various transitory cultures in southern Spain and north Africa.

During her flights of improvisation, we also hear the influence of Cuban vocalist Celia Cruz, a product of Afro-Cuban culture, mixed in with Ella Fitzgerald, who was the pinnacle of African-American jazz vocal expression.

In these two performances, we hear Buika interpret her own lyrics after a handful of albums in which she's interpreted others' words. With her eyes closed tightly, she inhabits these poems of love and heartache as if she were reliving them again before our eyes.

Buika's singular voice has attracted a cadre of fans who've become enchanted by her voice and her leave-it-all-on-the-stage performances in clubs and theaters around the world. Watch this video and join the club. --FELIX CONTRERAS

Set List
"La Noche Mas Larga"
"La Nave Del Olvido"

Credits
Producers: Felix Contreras, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Parker Miles Blohm, Denise DeBelius, Gabriella Demczuk

All Comments (21)

@thekaochan 10 years ago

It's a complete shame that they didn't! Here are the credits: Piano: Ivan "Melon" Lewis Percussion: Ramon Porrina
@artisfu9 8 years ago

Buika has one of the most passionate, soulful voices I have ever heard! I can't speak a word of Spanish but I have 3 of her albums. I just love her voice and sound!
@Jesusafriend4sinners 10 years ago

Her performances are so powerful because that's the rule of flamenco music. This is definitely a jazz and flamenco mixture like red and blue make purple.
@myshanamakisi6063 6 years ago

I have no clue, what this sista is saying. But her passion is beyond language. Love it. Thx for the introduction.
@Faridale 10 years ago

So Nina Simone and Diego el Cigala had a baby girl.
@anastasiarose4482 4 years ago

Listening to this during the quarantine in the UK - 2020...and my anger and sadness are being transmuted by this beautiful music. Thank you
@lionessofjudah1403 1 year ago

BEAUTIFUL! I cried when hearing the passion in her song. Her voice leads you to the stories in which she tells....SALUTE from America of the diaspora.
@jadesanchezway 1 year ago

esta mujer en vivo es pura magia...she is amazing!!!!!!!
@shahryarshon3880 6 years ago

I'm completely in love with her. Thank gods for creating Concha Buika.
@sierradillard9803 7 years ago

I'm tearing up, her voice is breathtaking!
@rcfreaks6281 6 years ago

Thank you Lord for allowing me to know Spanish. Spanish songs are unmatched. Bravo Buika.
@2ancient2define97 4 years ago

She leaves you digging for words to Express how her essence has affected you....no words have been created to explain the depth of sheer BLISS 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙏🏽
@ariadnamg1737 8 years ago

cuando la música te atraviesa el alma... escalofríos
@jgonzalez372 6 years ago

One of the best singer on 21 century she is amazing
@blackfairchild2155 4 months ago

To not understand one word and be in tears and filled with love and happiness is incredible! This is the embodiment of SOUL MUSIC❤
@gabrielchavarria760 6 years ago

I see everybody talking about Buika for obvious reasons haha she´s amazing. But very well played by the other 2 muscicians as well!!
@danankahjones9532 5 years ago

She is PHENOMINAL!! I was mesmerized!!
@joninehritamusic 6 years ago

Just whoa. Don't know what she's saying but I believe every word.
@MsSoFruity 6 years ago

I swear this is the first time in so many years I have heard an incredible voice like hers. She’s incredible ! Her voice is so naked ! Just breath taking ❤️
@oscaraudiffred1289 10 years ago

HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING HER PERFORM IN CHICAGO A FEW YEARS BACK- ALONG SIDE OF LILA DOWNS (MEXICAN/AMERICAN MODERN FOLK SINGER)... UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE!!