This time, Victor Herrero—a longtime collaborator who co-wrote her signature song “ANDA JALEO” and others, and who once joined her for her legendary tour of Japan—has once again contributed a song. The musical chemistry that only these two—who have created works by reinterpreting the poetry of García Lorca—can achieve, and, of course, the emotional depth of Victor’s guitar playing as a Spaniard. It’s quite distinct from the sound of American folk music. These songs breathe new life into the lineage of South American and Spanish-language folk music pioneered by Amancio Prada and Víctor Jara.
And, of course, Josephine’s vocals are wonderful. In recent years, she released recordings she made after traveling alone to the village of Jajouka in Morocco—something only Josephine would do. I don’t want to casually label it “psychedelic,” but it’s hard to escape that category. Terms like “alternative” and “weird” also come to mind, but what ultimately remains is a simple, unadorned beauty. Combined with the beautiful artwork, I highly recommend it. Amazing! (Original Japanese text by Shhhhh)