Tell me if this isn't something to admire. That in these times of noise and haste, of festivals piled up like sardines in a can and posters where the jondo It appears as an ornament amidst so much noise, there are those who conceive of an encounter with a different spirit and forms, creativity as its banner, in form and substance as you will be able to verify in what I am about to tell you.
That's what this chronicle is about. IX Cabildo Flamenco from ArchidonaWork and grace of the ineffable José Luis Ortiz Nuevo —JLON hereafter, also known as The Poet—, an unclassifiable character who is now an inseparable part, make no mistake, of the very history of flamencoIt is not the purpose of these pages to discuss his great research, creative, or productive work—if you are unfamiliar with it, delve into it—but his long shadow and invisible hand will inevitably season the entire narrative that follows, even in the forms this humble narrator takes, as a sincere tribute to the genius. Forgive me, Undibé, for my audacity and boldness, and, above all, the honored Poet and genius.
Archidona, then. And the Hotel Escua as headquarters, and the facilities of Sunset Pool Club as a stage set with lights. A two-story space, each level with its own stage. Upstairs, the pool, designer tents, and Balinese hammocks—which the flamencoGentlemen, comfort doesn't have to be at odds with physical comfort—and below, the bar and tables where you can snack while listening, and chairs for those who prefer the front of the main stage. A beach club in the heart of Andalusia, five hundred meters above sea level, with the Peña Lovers' Place on one side and Archidona on the other. Verlahí what could be called a unique landscape.
We arrived at the end of the afternoon, and the first thing we did was have a beer with our colleague. Tyler Barbour, the foreigner from Cadi who He's already told them everything With all the detail that those in the know require. For that is how all good things must begin. And this story that follows is more about experiences than about what was seen or heard.
From Friday and its electronic verdiales
The night began Rocío Boterita along with Alejandro Levar with their electronic verdiales, and this blend is no coincidence. They have already explored it, with remarkable success, The Voluble with The Child of Elche en Raverdial, Rocio Marquez with Bronchus at their Third heavenHere, hybridization works too; you can bet that this stew is well-cooked. Rocío has joined the project that Alejandro has been developing for years with a full verdiales band, partly as a tribute to her father and his heritage and experiences. They haven't finished recording yet due to their busy summer schedule. So don't miss them while you wait for their new silica cylinder.
The night continued with kiki morente, supported by the guitar of David of Anna, son of the omnipresent Ana Pastrana that, together José Luis Solís And the aforementioned Ortiz Nuevo are undoubtedly the holy trinity of the project. It can't be easy to bear a surname like Morente. That each canteWhether it's a break or a lament, the listener inevitably recalls the echo of Enrique, who was quite something. Kiki's delivery and beautiful vocal timbre are undeniable, although she faces a formidable challenge. As for David de Ana, he shows great promise despite his youth; that young man has a distinctive style.
She finished first on the day Carlos Emblematic with her session. A living tribute, in her own words, to her partner Alicia Acuña“Alicia’s foundation has always been the flamenco stage,” Carlos himself told me privately, despite what her innovative and daring work might convey. And what a shame the younger audience didn’t stay, because those of us who remained—veterans and seasoned aficionados—enjoyed a magnificent set in the vein of many DJs who today mix synthesized rhythms with folklore. flamenco or copla. That's already a trend, and welcome it is.
About ten degrees cooler than in Sevilla la Llana. People chatting at the bar until three in the morning. Kiki Morente and her group having dinner at a table in the back, but in full view of everyone and chatting with anyone who approached them. He shook my hand when I approached the bar, just for glancing at him. That's his way, and that's the essence of the Cabildo. Simplicity and conviviality without crowds. Genuine closeness between artists and the public. Call it a Boutique Festival if you want to use a label according to modern cultural trends. The Cabildo is one, whether it was intended to be or not.
Saturday morning and its Archidona rolls
Mollete from Archidona, not from Antequera—the rivalry between neighbors would warrant a much longer article—, and JLON telling us the story of the Peña of the Lovers based on his research, for the privilege of those presentA stroll through the town and its, for me, unfamiliar architecture and hidden gems like the Radio Hall, with its exceptional collection of phonograph equipment. The Ortiz Nuevo collection, housed in the library, couldn't be seen—it was Saturday—but it's on the list for the next edition, which we will certainly try to repeat. A dip in the wonderful pool while Soleá and Kiko rehearsed on both stages—a truly memorable experience.
Lunch with Gualberto Garcia, who, with the utmost naturalness, tells you about his adventures with Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa or Mick Jagger With the same passion he speaks of his American children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. What a whirlwind life that man leads! He told us something was in the works, but if it isn't, someone needs to write his fascinating biography now.
"This is what it's all about, ladies and gentlemen. This is the essence of the Cabildo. Spending a few days in a relaxing bubble, with good music, a friendly atmosphere, conversations, and walks. A different experience. Could this be the first Boutique Festival of the flamencoWell, according to market trends, it seems so: unique spaces, reduced capacity, an intimate and close experience even with the artists, without queues or sound saturation, without the harassment of merchandising and advertising."
From the round table and the plea
In the afternoon, a round table discussion will be held focusing on the leitmotif of this edition: the thirtieth anniversary of Argument against purityOrtiz Nuevo's principal work. With the author himself, Gualberto, Paco Hidalgo, Antonio Molina, Lluis Cabrera and Norberto Torres, moderated by Angels Cruzado, and with the last-minute absence of Kiko Veneno.
Varied opinions on what this groundbreaking book has meant and continues to mean. Gualberto admitted, with the utmost honesty, that he had not read it.What a great age! The parents of the creature (author, editor, promoter) recalled the events and in between, the promised opening proclamation ended up becoming intertwined in the conversation itself, with contributions to the cante de Antonio Campos and to the dance of Ana Pastrana...who came and went in time with Ortiz Nuevo's words. Such are the luxuries one experiences...
From Saturday night
The evening begins with some delays and changes to the program, but we gladly compensate for this with a bit of socializing at the small poolside bar. Around 21 pm, after the spectacular sunset, Ravecalé y Soleá Gatica They take to the stage at the back, under the tents that resemble mulberry trees. Minimalist techno accompanies the cante de Solea and his transverse flute. Tributes to Camarón, The legend of TimeMorente and Marelu provided enjoyment to the first attendees, both those who were sober and those who weren't. Follow their tracks and listen to their songs while They are finalizing their album.
It continues, now that night has fallen, Raul Cantizano In a guitar recital with his soundbox, samplers, and loop pedalboard, his mastery is evident. It's true, however, that Raúl wouldn't need those extras to play flawlessly, as he demonstrates by playing cat and mouse with classical and experimental elements. This is precisely what constitutes his well-known musical identity, the same one that has accompanied him so many times. Alicia Acuña, whom he remembers in the final stretch with the addition of Carlos Emblemática.
Gualberto with his sitars—the most famous, by Jove, ever to grace these lands of western Eurasia—accompanied by the dance of Ana Pastrana and the recitations of the renowned poet. It couldn't get any better. flamenco Playing such a strange and difficult-to-hold contraption, with one foot under what would be its body, which is nothing more than a pumpkin. Like someone cooking a Gypsy stew while singing…
Follow Kiko Venom In an acoustic trio, they performed songs we all know, and in the final stretch everyone enthusiastically sang along. Who wouldn't know the lyrics by now? Joselito, The White Mercedes o Flying I goThe festival's climax, impossible to top these shared emotions? Well, don't think so, because while the next acts are being prepared, José Luis comes on stage and tells and dramatizes the famous and funny story of... Archidona's penisIt's not worth repeating here, but those who heard it already know. And those who didn't have one more reason to sign up for the next town council meeting.
Hill Chivecawhich should have opened the trading day but a last-minute adjustment relegated it to the close. Merger of the flamenco with Celtic music, progressive rock and bossa nova, a proposal from Sara Holgado and their fellow townspeople from Olvera. Perhaps it was just fatigue, but the truth is we never quite got the hang of that mix. Nothing to criticize about the performance of these excellent musicians. My fault, surely…
From Sunday and from the essence
On Sunday morning, I had breakfast with José Luis and Antonio Molina, who were discussing stories of Pastora and how she felt "the imp in her vocal cords" or Chavez Nogales and its publishing vicissitudes. That's what it's all about, ladies and gentlemen. This is the essence of the Cabildo. Spending a few days in a bubble of relaxation, good music, camaraderie, conversation, and walks. A different menu. Will this be the first Boutique Festival of the flamencoWell, according to market trends, it seems so: unique spaces, reduced capacity, an intimate and close experience even with the artists, without queues or sound saturation, without the harassment of merchandising and propaganda.
And well, this is the experience I'm telling you about. If you want something different, keep it in mind for next year. The Cabildo, in case it wasn't clear, must continue. And I, for one, already consider myself a "council member." I reiterate my gratitude. ♦
Text: Fede Calderón
