Pepe Romero He is one of the most transcendental contemporary figures of the Spanish guitar, especially classical, but also flamenco. His work promoting this instrument alongside his family, with his mastery and virtuosity in playing, has earned him international prestige and the highest level of recognition. Added to this is the personal satisfaction of organizing this annual festival in his native Málaga, now in its fourth edition. A true success that he proves for himself, because he never misses the event. As part of the Festival, the series Late nights Flamencos featured the show that concerns us today, entitled Footprints.
Before a room full of people – the beautiful hall of the Unicaja Foundation in the former María Cristina Royal Conservatory–, the Sevillian maestro opened the evening Manolo Franco with his farruca The color of my soundWith the pristine cleanliness of his touch, the phrasings in which the instrument itself sings to us, and the melancholy that this gives off palo and that the interpretation knew how to convey to us, we couldn't have had a better start.
Next we enjoy the sound force of Paco Jarana, searching for the harmonies of the soleá in his guitar, nonconformist, brave, taking risks to surprise, and achieving it.
«Segundo Falcón took us to Triana, to the soleá alfarera and the apolaos tones, hurting in the velvety bass notes, shaking us in the sharp high notes, to finish wonderfully with the soleá petenera, another rara avis that is not often heard»
Second Falcon made his entrance and began, in honor of this land, with malagueñas. Chacón's were magnificent, tuned to perfection, imprinting the emotion that this cante pide, accompanied by Paco Jarana. With Manolo Franco he tackled the Malaga of the Trini, taking some liberties with the melody, but ending with substance, in one go, as it should be, in both malagueñas. What a pleasure to hear a well-executed malagueña finale! As a coda to the cante, the rondeña of Dying, well modulated its difficult tonal changes, and the fandango of Peppermint Bottle, fast and vibrant.
After asking for applause for the host Pepe Romero, he delighted us with his knowledge of cante, because Segundo Falcón is, in addition to being a singer, a colossal fan and scholar of flamencoAnd when these facets come together, recitals with unconventional repertoires are formed, something very welcome and that the knowledgeable public knows how to appreciate. In this way, he gave us a tour that began with a short petenera of Medina the Old, continued with the great of The Girl with the Combs and linked with a letter of St. Teresa of Jesus by soleá apolá to finish the walk rocking in the bamba with the cantes of the swing. All in impeccable coordination between the two guitarists and the singer, who understood each other perfectly throughout the recital.
With Paco Jarana's guitar, he took us to Triana, to the soleá alfarera and the apolaos tones, hurting in the velvety bass, shaking us in the sharp treble, to finish wonderfully with the soleá petenera, another rara avis that you don't usually hear. And you can sense how the singer is at ease, enjoying his singing, and in sync with the sublime guitars that accompany him. And all of this is a torrent of sensations that he transmits to the audience.
"Luisa Palicio is the best current representative of the Seville school of dance flamenco. (…) Her slender, flexible arms handled the shawl with grace. Her legs dominated the train, which, at her command, drew filigree patterns in the air. Her displays were truly picturesque, rousing the audience.
With some Extremaduran jaleos in which he demonstrated that he also has plenty of rhythm, and a round of fandangos where he once again showed off his abilities, Segundo Falcón ended his part.ahead' and the audience responded by giving him a standing ovation.
The icing on the cake was provided by the guest artist, the Estepona native Luisa PalicioWithout fear of being wrong, I would say that she is the best current representative of the Seville school of dance. flamenco. With her train and her shawl, her infinite elegance without affecting her flamenco style in the slightest, Luisa danced alegrías for us. cante and the touch of the masters who preceded her, a true picture of greats. Her slender, flexible arms handled the shawl with grace. Her legs dominated the train, which, at her command, drew filigrees in the air. Without ever breaking her figure, with that femininity that this school of dances boasts, her displays were authentic images of grandeur that thrilled the audience, who cheered her on with oohs and aahs and applause.
The title of the show was certainly apt: four sublime artists who left an indelible mark on us with the quality of their art. Several minutes of standing ovation attested to this.
Credits
Footprints, by Segundo Falcón, Manolo Franco, Paco Jarana and Luisa Palicio
IV Pepe Romero Guitar Festival
María Cristina Room of the Unicaja Foundation, Málaga
27 September 2025
Second Falcon (cante)
Manolo Franco and Paco Jarana (guitar)
Luisa Palicio (dance)
