A group of colleagues and I were recently discussing how the throne of flamenco guitar, if it ever existed, is no longer useful for establishing a ranking in this discipline. The hierarchy that the great masters of yesteryear seemed to impose has given way to a wide biodiversity, in which many talented musicians are forging their own paths without competing with one another, contributing to the collective enrichment of this art. This allows us to enjoy a vibrant moment in which... Antonio Rey y Alejandro Hurtado, Yeray Cortés y Jesús Guerrero, Vicente Amigo y David from Arahal, Dani from Morón y Rycardo Moreno, Diego del Morao y canito…And many more, without forgetting the women who are also making their way through their own merits.
Into this promiscuous and bubbly scene emerges an artist like Jose AlmarchaA native of the very flamenco town of Tomelloso (Ciudad Real), the same town that our dearly missed friend proudly represented. big felixHe already has three albums on the market. Modern Theatre of Chiclana hosted the presentation of the latest of them this Wednesday, January 28th, A new walk, as an inauguration of Jambá FestivalIt's not at all unusual for a creator flamenco open a jazz cycle, just as it is not a coincidence that Almarcha alludes to the idea of the stroll – so present in literature, of robert walser a Henry David Thoreau– to title a bouquet of compositions that invite the enjoyment and contemplation of soundscapes.
From his first appearance on stage and a suggestive mix of old and new pieces as an introduction, Almarcha reveals himself as the antithesis of those tyrannical guitarists who need to emphasize their own importance. On the contrary, he subordinates himself to the composition, which reaches the audience as the result of a collective effort. This doesn't mean the musician doesn't showcase his own talents, as is evident in the serene taranta. A Cata, or the tap dancing Itchy Hill, both from his album Alejandraor in the snails that open the aforementioned A new walk, very well accompanied by the electric guitar of Victor Guadianawhich, far from clashing with Almarcha's guitar, constantly colors its sound and gives it a very pleasant jazz-rock freshness.
"Such an appealing walk for lovers of flamenco as well as for music lovers allergic to labels. Because what Almarcha does is, above all, a love of music. We hope that his path continues to be forged, as the poet wished, by dint of walking.
From an idea of Manolo SanlucarAccording to the principle that a guitarist must drink from the earth and at the same time fly free, Almarcha takes the title of his soleá Root and paloma, undoubtedly one of the most profound moments of the recital, followed by the Lorca-esque Baladilla of the three rivers which takes the form of milonga and zambra in his hands, and which featured Javier Ruibal, the more flamenco of the singer-songwriters who have been, as a guest artist.
The accompanying musicians, who had provided excellent support for the flamenco strings throughout and displayed restrained virtuosity in their solos, left the stage, leaving Almarcha alone in the intimacy of the miner's workshop. Another of the evening's highlights was the appearance on stage of Diego Villegas, who performed the ballad Tiam with such sensitivity that it made one forget Antonio SerranoThe harmonica player on the album. It's only fair to say that the man from Sanlúcar has become a master of the wind instruments. flamencoYes, and he proves it every time he has the chance.
The playful farruca Galician's House It was also the ideal composition for Lucia RuibalAlmarcha's partner, will showcase her best dancing with boundless energy and precise accents, leaving the concert on a high note to culminate with Borondo Sale, the bulerías from the album AlejandraThus came to an end a walk so appealing to lovers of flamenco This is for music lovers who are allergic to labels, because what Almarcha does is, above all, a love of music. We hope that his path continues to unfold, as the poet wished, through sheer perseverance.
Credits
A new walkby José Almarcha
III Jambá Jazz Festival
Modern Theatre of Chiclana, Cadiz
January 28, 2026
Jose Almarcha, guitar
Victor Guadiana, electric guitar and violin
Andre JahJah, piano
Marco Niemietz on bass
Martha Ramos and Aury Salazar, backing vocals
Guillermo Martinez, drums
Special guests: Javier Ruibal (vocals), Diego Villegas (harmonica), Lucía Ruibal (dance)
