Oh yes. It seems to be a well-established dogma that the cante It must hurt. There's the verdict: the cante It truly hurts. We tear our shirts. The wails scratch. A well-sung verse or a flourish of the voice hits hard. pellizcoThere has to be something special about it. Something that makes your heart clench. Something that makes your flesh ache. Something that makes your bones crunch. Something that makes your mouth taste of blood. Anyone would say we're talking about art and not a gory still life. Or a butcher's counter where they're butchering and dismembering an animal. Although we also like the cante wild. Not to others.
One day in Utrera, my heart was pounding out of my chest listening to a seguiriya Ines BacánThose are those inexplicable moments when, without knowing why, emotions become contagious and everyone understands the language of double fatigue, tearing out the "oles" right there in the same spot. After the ecstasy of the Lebrija gypsies, in a gut-wrenching wail, the guy next to me took a bite out of my arm. I'm not kidding. My cousin Luis de la Ramona She couldn't contain herself and, inevitably, without thinking, that gesture came out. It hurt me more, Inés. I was numb. But I understood. And we shared that special moment in this way.
We continue on to Lebrija. Because nothing less than The Funi He made some statements that went viral, saying that "there are three ways to sing: one is pretty, one is good, and one is good and Gypsy." Let me try to explain. I could give examples with flamenco singers, but it's pointless to air my opinions when they might not coincide with yours. Or maybe they do, you know. Although, I already write reviews of the concerts I attend, and I don't hold back at all. Everyone always understands me.
"I don't know if we could agree that Marchena sings beautifully, Calixto Sánchez does it well, and Perrate sings well and with a Gypsy flair. Forgive me, all three of them. As they say, but without malice. No hard feelings. Give yourselves examples if you like. But Marchena's preciousness will surely make some people cringe. Too much sugar is cloying for many."
I don't know if we could agree that she sings beautifully Marchena, Calixto Sanchez He does it well and Perrate He sings well, and he's a Gypsy. Forgive me, all three of them. As they say, but without malice. No hard feelings. I'm just being cheeky myself. Give your own examples if you like. But Marchena's preciousness will surely rub some people the wrong way. So much sugar is cloying for many. And be careful, because Marchena is undeniably a creator and a master who isn't given enough credit, since most people focus on the commercial aspects without delving into his work. As happens with ValderramaCalixto Sánchez is wise, tall, and possesses enviable knowledge. He executes well the canteBut its lukewarmness, or even its coldness, depending on who takes its temperature and the day, is vox puepuli Among the fans. You'll see when I get to Mairena and they gang up on me. However, Perrate… Perrate couldn't sing well! Not at all! And a Gypsy! Or Fernanda, Gaspar…for staying in my town for a while. The same as Earthquake o Agujetas. AND PastoraHow did he sing? Pastora? Pretty, good, or good and gypsy? Or all three.
The whispered voice is becoming fashionable. There are ears that don't like sharp, harsh, grating voices… those like cracked crystals. Because voices matter. Sounding good isn't the same as singing well. So there you have it. Some throats become more attuned, and the sound slips in smoothly, like a cream or a gentle push with Vaseline. And it gives you goosebumps. There are canteSome send shivers down your spine and make your hair stand on end. Others feel like a nibble on the ear or a subtle lick on the neck. And it's not all the same. But it makes us silly. Doesn't it?
Fans don't have to choose between having their nails poked or being stroked to taste the venom again. Variety is the spice of life. Or rather, a real treat. Even though we all have our preferences. Shutting up and crying with The Titmouse And then with Fernanda it's limited. But the sensitivities of the flamencoThey have their own surnames and colors. They say he sings beautifully. Dew Moon, The Dog, Angeles Toledano, Jesus Corbacho and to Mayte MartínAren't we confusing ourselves and others? Does the cante Beautiful or not? Rather than making a statement, I should have asked them the question first. And you decide. ♦
On Flamenco There's room for everyone, but there's less room in the Gitano-Andaluz and in the Jondo those who are able to transport you to the origin of time...so to speak.
El cante It's beautiful, pleasing to the ear; it's the work of artists. cante Doing it right is precise, it's a professional thing to do. cante The gypsy pinches his head when he hears it; it's a genius thing.