international Festival Flamenco Romí City of Laguna
Let the dawn come
Paco de Lucía's good company at the Leal Theatre
Among the fans of flamenco It is well known that the teacher Paco de Lucía sHe surrounded himself with the best, a select group of musicians capable of matching the genius of Algeciras. And after his years working closely with CamarónThe guitarist toured the world with his own bands, chosen by himself from among the best artists of the flamencoAnd no fewer than six of those chosen will be on the stage of the Teatro Leal in a new edition of the International Festival Flamenco Romí Ciudad de Laguna, already established as a benchmark event in the world flamenco, and where you can enjoy the voices of Duquende, David de Jacoba y Chonchi Heredia, the bass player Alain Pérez, the percussionist Red-bellied piranha or his nephew the guitarist Antoñito SánchezThey all accompanied the maestro on long tours of the best theaters in the world, making the Flamenco to be known and valued beyond the borders of our country.
Flamenco singer David de Jacoba recounts an anecdote about the genius from Algeciras: “When I was singing, Duquende would look at Paco a lot. And Paco would tell me, ‘Don’t pay any attention to anyone,’ but many times I exaggerate the ‘olé’ I give you, because I know it will sting Duquende, and that will make him want to go even louder.” And in the middle of the concert he would shout ‘¡Olé!’ in an exaggerated way, when I was singing, and Duquende would come on afterward, even more motivated. And Paco would burst out laughing, of course.” Now we will have the opportunity to relive that affectionate vocal duel on the Leal stage, where Duquende and de Jacoba will be performing.
Duquende (Sabadell 1965) began singing from a very young age, and by the age of 8 Camarón He discovered him and invited him to sing, accompanied by the genius himself on guitar. He has recorded more than 10 albums, accompanied by such renowned figures as Paco de Lucía, Juan Manuel Cañizares, and Chicuelo. Duquende's unique voice made him the official singer for Paco de Lucía's tours for over 20 years. A true gem in La Laguna.
We will also have the aforementioned Leal at Leal. David de Jacoba (Motril 1985), possessing a truly Gypsy voice that caught the attention of the guitar genius. He was Paco's last flamenco singer, accompanying him during the last three years of his life. The maestro left an enormous example in David. In a recent interview, he commented: "The first time I saw Paco sing a note next to me, I wanted to cry."
Alongside them in the lineup was the bass player of Alain Perez (Trinidad, 1977). An excellent bassist, percussionist, pianist, singer, composer, and arranger, this Cuban has received the highest praise from music critics. A cultivator and champion of salsa, timba, and Latin jazz, his talent has allowed him to work with Cuban groups and musicians of the caliber of Irakere, Los Van Van, Isaac Delgado and his group, Paquito D'Rivera, Celia Cruz, Javier Masó "Caramelo," and many more. But without a doubt, it has been his collaboration with Paco de Lucía that has generated the most buzz about his talent and potential. The result can be heard on "Cositas Buenas." The project brought together a fabulous sextet that undertook a successful world tour, featuring Alain Pérez on bass.
Paco also appreciated female voices, and for this he chose Chonchi HerediaChonchi, who toured with him for several years, is one of the most highly regarded voices in the world of [music]. flamencoShe comes from the Golondrinas del Sacromonte family, where she began singing at the age of eight in the Los Tarantos cave. By twelve, the renowned flamenco dancer La Mariquilla had hired her professionally. After performing in flamenco venues in Granada, she moved to Madrid, where she quickly made a name for herself. flamencoShe is sought after by major artists to collaborate on recordings or accompany dance figures such as Joaquín Cortés, Juana Amaya, and Antonio Canales, among many others. She has also accompanied Tomatito and Vicente Amigo, and is collaborating again on Estopa's latest album.
Who put the drawer? flamenco In that last lineup, Paco was none other than Israel Suárez “El Piraña” (Madrid 1982), son of Ramón El Portugués and nephew of Guadiana, who debuted at age 13 with Niña Pastori. His big break came in 2010, when he joined Paco de Lucía's last ensemble. With him, he toured the world, bringing the sound of the cajón to the most prestigious stages and demonstrating that a humble instrument could beat with the same force as an entire orchestra.
Even more closely linked to Paco by family ties is Antoñito Sánchez(Madrid, 1984), nephew of the guitarist. From a very young age, he began studying flamenco guitar with his uncles Paco de Lucía and Ramón de Algeciras, and with his cousin José María Bandera, later continuing his training with the maestro Juan Manuel Cañizares. After working and training for years in the best flamenco venues in the country, he joined Paco de Lucía's Septeto as second guitarist, where he accompanied the maestro for four years until his death in February 2014.
The musical direction of the festival will be in the hands of Juan Carmona El Camborio, founder of Ketama and renowned composer and producer. Also appearing on stage and in the artistic direction will be the flamenco flute of John Grill, son of the great guitarist Parrilla and nephew of Parrilla de Jerez
This year, the dance program is particularly brilliant. Karime Amaya returns by popular demand, having brought the Teatro Leal to its feet mid-performance last year, where she created a memorable uproar rarely seen on that stage. She is the great-niece of Carmen Amaya, the greatest and most revered flamenco dancer of all time. Don't miss her.
Also on stage will be the great José Suárez The ToromboA Sevillian flamenco dancer and palmero (flamenco handclapper) with a unique personality and very clear ideas. He teaches classes and has become popular on social media for his way of conveying the art of flamenco. flamencoSponsored by Farruco, he is a defender of the purest gypsy dance and also carries out intense social work with less fortunate groups.
At the cante to the dance, one of the best, David El Galli, From Morón, an artist highly regarded by the dancers themselves for his incredible rhythm. And within the space that the Festival reserves to promote young Gypsy talents, we will also have, in dance, the Sevillian Antonio Amaya. PeteteA flamenco dancer and palmero (flamenco handclapper) born into a family of artists. His first performance on a tablao (flamenco stage) was under the tutelage of maestro Torombo at the Tablao. Flamenco The Roosters at the age of 7. They will both be together at the Leal Theater after 25 years. And they will also be at the theater. Mara Cruz, a young woman from Granada who amazed the jury of the program The Voice and who has collaborated with Alejandro Sanz among others.
The event will take place at the Teatro Leal on January 8th and 9th at 8:30 p.m.
More information on the page www.festivalflamencoromi.com
