The family ensemble Quarantined Quartet, known for their viral Instagram performances, has created a body of work that blends the technical brilliance of classical Spanish guitar with the emotional resonance of flamenco and global music influences. This 12-track collection, consisting of nine original compositions and three reimagined covers, showcases the group’s ability to both honor tradition and push boundaries, bringing the Spanish guitar into new musical territories.
From the opening track, “Las Olas,” the Quartet establishes a strong connection to the Spanish guitar’s classical roots. The intricate, rippling melodies immediately evoke the legacy of guitarists like Francisco Tárrega, whose pioneering work in the late 19th century set the foundation for the classical guitar as we know it today. The Quarantined Quartet brings that same precision and clarity to their playing, yet there is an emotional warmth that elevates their performance beyond technical mastery. This balance between skill and heart is present throughout the album, making it accessible to both seasoned guitar aficionados and casual listeners.
One of the standout tracks, “Strumming the Earth,” highlights the Quartet’s ability to convey deep emotion through their instruments. The composition builds from a gentle, melancholic introduction into a soaring crescendo, reminiscent of the expressive flourishes found in flamenco. This is where the influence of flamenco legends like Paco de Lucía becomes clear. Just as de Lucía revolutionized flamenco by blending it with jazz and classical styles, the Quarantined Quartet injects their flamenco-inflected playing with elements of world music, creating a sound that feels expansive and modern while still rooted in tradition.
The historical significance of the Spanish guitar extends far beyond its classical origins. In tracks like “Brasileirinho,” the Quartet embraces the global evolution of the instrument, weaving in the rhythms and melodies of Brazilian choro music. The Spanish guitar has long been a vehicle for cross-cultural expression, influencing genres from Latin jazz to rock, and the Quartet’s use of these diverse styles shows their understanding of its wide-reaching impact. The playful, syncopated rhythms of “Brasileirinho” call to mind the innovation of guitarists like Carlos Santana, who brought Latin influences into mainstream rock in the 1960s and ’70s. Like Santana, the Quarantined Quartet demonstrates that the Spanish guitar can be a bridge between genres, capable of adapting to different musical environments without losing its distinct character.
The group’s reimagined covers of “Bella Ciao” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” offer another layer of depth to the album. Their version of “Bella Ciao,” the famous Italian resistance song, transforms the traditional folk tune into a flamenco-inspired piece, full of rhythmic drive and emotional intensity. This reinterpretation draws a direct line between the protest songs of Italy and the fiery spirit of flamenco, a genre often associated with expressing both personal and collective struggle. The Quartet’s sensitive arrangement of Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is another highlight, stripping the song down to its emotional core while maintaining the haunting beauty that has made it a timeless classic.
What sets Strumming the Earth apart is the way Quarantined Quartet seamlessly integrates these historical references into their own artistic voice. While their playing is clearly informed by the greats—Tárrega, Segovia, de Lucía—the album never feels like a simple tribute. Instead, it stands as a modern continuation of the Spanish guitar’s journey, one that acknowledges its roots while exploring new avenues of expression. Their original compositions, such as “Shifting Woods” and “Arena Dorada,” are filled with rich textures and dynamic shifts, allowing each family member to shine individually while contributing to a cohesive, unified sound.
Strumming the Earth is an album that speaks to the timeless nature of the Spanish guitar.
From its classical and flamenco roots to its influence on world music, the instrument has long been a symbol of artistic and cultural expression. The Quarantined Quartet honors this legacy while carving out their own place within it, offering a collection of music that is as thoughtful as it is technically impressive. With this release, they have positioned themselves not just as talented musicians, but as important contributors to the ongoing evolution of the Spanish guitar in popular music.
Find more at: https://www.facebook.com/QuarantinedQuartet/
- reviewed by Jennifer Munoz
