Biography
In the early 1990s singer Chico Ocana joined forces with percussionist Alberto Alvarez (aka El Judi) and guitarist Marco Aguilar to launch the Spanish experimental flamenco outfit Martires del Compas. Guitarist Julio Revilla (aka El Irritante), bassist Jesus Diaz Benjumea and percussionist Sidy Samb were added to the lineup afterward. Once the first demo had been tracked, Marco Aguilar exited and guitarist Manuel Soto (El Noly) took his place. The revised ensemble soon released its debut album, Flamenco Billy. Representing Spain at Cannes’ MIDEM Conference the following year, the band championed Prohibido Da el Cante, a fusion of flamenco, blues-rock and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. BMG-Ariola issued Al Compas de la Llaga Dolorida in 1998, with Mordiendo el Duende appearing two years later.
Albums
