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30TH ANNIVERSARY OF BECOMING A DEMOCRACY
40 years of dictatorship came to an end on this day in 1978 when Spain officially adopted a new constitution and became a democracy. Now one of the most prosperous, open countries in Europe, Spain has flourished in the past three decades. It's sobering to think one it's only been 30 years, and a reminder that many still struggle towards personal & political freedom around the world today. We honor this anniversary with a selection of tunes somehow or another connected with Spain.
We begin with Chick Corea and a simmering trio version of his classic "Spain" from 1992 in Tokyo, where Corea's electric piano manipulations are joined by Vinnie Colaiuta (drums) and John Patitucci (bass).
And here's John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia working their acoustic guitar magic on Chick's tune.
Rodolfo Chikilicuatre's "Chiki Chiki" is the kind of thing that could never be created under General Francisco Franco, i.e. freaky dance music the kids can take drugs to! This was Spain's 2008 entry in the Eurovision song competition.
One of our hands down faves around JamBase is Manu Chao, who embodies the truly international bent of modern Spain. Here's "La Primavera" and "Radio Bemba" performed live in Brooklyn in 2006.
Dutch artists The Nits offer up their "Sketches of Spain." It's not Miles but it's hella evocative.
Now, here's saxophone great Dave Liebman with L'Ochestre du CNR de Toulouse conducted by Jean-Charles Richard performing a portion of Miles Davis' "Sketches of Spain."
Next, a little prog love for ya with Gentle Giant and "Two Weeks In Spain" from 1978.
We conclude this week with Elvis Presley doing Three Dog Night's "Never Been To Spain" in 1972.
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