Almasäla

Founded by vocalist Paloma Povedano, a native of Andalucia, Spain, Almasäla operates as a flamenco fusion ensemble. Povedano, whose training encompasses both flamenco singing and dance, joined the world-renowned contemporary flamenco collective Ojos de Brujo for a single project—their 1999 debut album Vengue—before moving on. That brief association nevertheless solidified her presence within the contemporary flamenco community, where she subsequently collaborated and performed with assorted acts until she formed Almasäla. The group’s roster includes Povedano on vocals and dance, Monica Samit handling chorus vocals and palmas, Mario Mas on flamenco guitar, Irene Sansalvado on guitar and flute, Juan Antonio Guerra on bass, and Miguel Ballester on cajón and drums. Almasäla entered the studio for the first time in 2007, issuing the album Eolh through Ventilador Music. The recording merges contemporary flamenco with electronic production flourishes and additional Latin forms such as bulería, rhumba, tango, and soleá. Those international prospects secured the band an appearance at England’s 2008 Glastonbury Festival.