Album Review: Corroncho
If you’re just joining us, you may or may not be aware that Phil Manzanera – Firebird-wielding guitarist extraordinaire known for his work with Roxy Music – has an abiding love for Latin culture. It’s an integral part of his heritage and life story, as well-explained in the documentary Revolution to Roxy, included on his retrospective The Music 1972-2008.
Manzanera’s latest project doesn’t even bear his name. Corroncho is a thematically unified album that delivers a dozen songs deeply marinated in a Latin style, but delivered with a rock sensibility. This is no dilettantish side-project for Manzanera: he lends his talents to this project in a heartfelt manner. The lyrics – and there seem to be a lot of ‘em — are wholly in Spanish, as is the enclosed booklet. No compromises are made to the solely-English-speaking listeners who might wander into the disc. But then none are necessary. While those not fluent in Spanish won’t be able to follow the stories in series of songs, the in-English press kit helpfully explains the theme: “…two Latin males, their trials and tribulations, good and bad points, loves and hates…”
Celebrated musicians from the Spanish-speaking countries are all over the disc, which also includes guest spots from Robert Wyatt, Chrissie Hynde, Annie Lennox and many others. Very much unlike Roxy Music — and featuring little of the soaring and/or angular electric guitar work associated with Manzanera’s 1970s style – Corroncho is nonetheless an enjoyable album. Those interested in something outside the box yet accessible could do worse than spend some time with Corroncho.
Follow “the_musoscribe” on 
Twitter and get notified
when new features, reviews and essays are published.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.