Gosh, I hate those brainy headlines! I'll simplify. One day you start thinking that maybe it would be fun to teach some dance classes. flamencoguitar or even canteWhether Spanish or foreign, male or female, young or old, the adventure promises excitement with minimal risk or expense, and you think how cool it will sound when you casually mention the new adventure in conversation: "Oh, it's getting late, I have to go, I have class..." flamenco».
However el flamenco It hooks you on a more complex level; it doesn't tolerate a superficial relationship. After the initial contact, you begin to discover the rich cultural heritage behind it: the history, the cuisine, the visual arts, the wines, and especially the religious aspect as expressed in the numerous Catholic rituals associated with it. Holy Week in Andalusia.
On Sunday I was able to accompany partners and friends of the Peña Flamenca Uncle Jose de Paula on his visit to the historic Church of Santiago Located in the heart of the flamenco neighborhood right in front of the headquarters of the peña, to the kiss of the feet of Our Father Jesus of the Arrest. A lot of ecclesiastical vocabulary interwoven with flamenco allusions that were obligatorily present in the emotional interpretations of saetas sung by some of those present, such as Joaquín Zambo, President of the peña Uncle José de Paula, or the much-loved singer from Sanlúcar, based in Jerez, Maria Vargas.
With 60 percent of Spaniards, and 87 percent of the Andalusian population, identifying as practicing Catholicscantes, There are many saeta singers, both those who are professional and amateurs, and their cantes in this regard include within the repertoire of cante flamencoalthough its interpretation is limited, like the canteChristmas-themed items, related to the associated season.
Okay, yeah, that's all very well, but I just wanted a little something for weddings and stuff, you know.
"Whether it's Juanito Valderrama for guajira or Juan Talega for toná liviana, without intending to offend either of them, once the jar of essences is opened there is no return trip"
No, el flamenco It is a lifelong and total commitmentYou enter the convent of emotions knowing that you leave the essence and core of your being there until death do you part. There may be flirtations with other musical expressions, because the flamenco It's music, even when you dance, no matter how much some people deny it. Be that as it may. Juanito Valderrama by Guajira or Juan Talega For the sake of argument, without intending to offend either of them, once the jar of essences is opened there is no return trip.
After the formalities, there was cante in the peña with no less than Romerito from Jerezabout to turn 93, accompanied on guitar by his son Antonio “Romerito Jr.” delighting those present with their freshness and energy through soleá, alegrías, fandangos and bulerías, and ending the party with Yoya, Curra and other usual things from the beloved women of the Peña Uncle Jose.
The pared-down message here is this: if you yearn to feel the emotion of flamenco, jump in fearlessly at the deep end of the pool with no life jacket, soak up the culture, drink it, live it, whether it’s bringing in the Prendi during Holy Week, mostachones (typical sweet) from Utrera or a plate of bean stew, it’s all food for the soul and defines flamenco, a way of life, a philosophy.
