November 2004

el douje solo album release: Worlds Collide

Santa Cruz flamenco guitarist, el douje, has just released his debut solo album. Entitled ŒWorlds Collide¹, it¹s a unique and bold mixture of traditional and modern styles. From Œjondo¹ flamenco to modern day world fusion/drum and bass/techno, the flamenco guitar playing of el douje is what unifies and sets this album apart. Containing 13 original compositions, the songs on this record gracefully stretch the stylistic bounds of tradition, while looking to the possibilities ahead. 

Worlds Collide is a project many years in the making. From the original vision of combining flamenco and gypsy guitar with modern elements of electronic music, four years have passed. The musical offerings range from traditional flamenco styles such as bulerias, tangos and solea, to experimental combinations defying classification. 

Though el douje is a solo act, the album contains extensive collaborations with a wide variety of acclaimed and accomplished musicians. Dave Weckl (of Dave Weckl Band and Chick Corea Band) lends his drumming talent on several tracks, and jazz/fusion bass legend Tom Kennedy and his 200 year old double bass also appear on numerous tracks. Members of the ground-breaking gypsy fusion band Estradasphere round out the sound with bass, saxophone and violin tracks. Shamisen master Kevin Kmetz is featured extensively on the album, adding to the unique instrumentation of the compositions. 

douje@eldouje.com