flamenco news The newsletter of: Autumn 2006 £1.50

La Tati ‘She dances with the universe’ News Autumn 2006 Pictures: David Hone

CONTENTS

1. About The Peña 2. Letters 3. Editorial 4. News 5. La Tati in London 6. Sensations 7. Spanish Dance Society 8. Regent St. Festival 9. Salvador 10. Los Morente 11. Carnaval del Pueblo 12. Sevilla - The Essence 13. Spanish News 15. La Fernanda 16. CD Reviews 18. Classes

Pictures: David Hone What is the Peña Flamenca de Londres? he Peña Flamenca de Londres is the The Peña has never been funded or meeting place for all who are interested sponsored, resting solely on the hard work of CONTENTS inT flamenco – dancers, singers, guitarists, the committee and its dedicated officers, and aficionados, and our many visitors. It follows the support of members – some of whom have the tradition of a typical Spanish peña in been constant since Day 1. providing good flamenco at a reasonable price Other parts of the UK now have peñas or in a friendly atmosphere. Visitors, members groups following the Peña’s trail, though the too, come from a wide area. Peña Flamenca de Londres retains its premier Shows by professional artists form a position and is often asked for advice. major part of the programme, presenting In the past year the Peña has leapt ahead, some of the best flamenco in Britain and, moving to a new venue which it is hoped will when possible, from overseas. Active be permanent, and also breaking the mould participation at all levels is encouraged. by establishing itself at Heaven Nightclub for Members’ nights (juergas) are regularly held performances by artists from Spain. with professional backing from guitarist and singer. The platform is there too for singers and guitarists. Other nights there is an opportunity to take the stage before the DETAILS professional show: an ideal opportunity to Membership of the Peña Flamenca perfect a routine in front of a friendly and de Londres is £12 / year. Including appreciative audience. free newsletters, concession entry at The peña was founded in 1984 as a totally monthly peñas. new concept by a group of aficionados and is We meet on the second Sunday run by a voluntary elected committee. It is every month, except August, at: honoured to have as joint presidents world- St Aloysius Social Club, Eversholt St. renowned guitarist Paco Peña, from Córdoba, NW1 (corner of Phoenix Rd) and Maribel la Manchega, from La Mancha, www.flamenco-london.org.uk a favourite performer and teacher both in or 0207 703 6893 Spain and the UK.

Committee:

Vera King, chair. Clive Crawford, vice chair and minutes. Bill Harvey, treasurer. Caroline Wolff, event co-ordinator. Ron Le Voi, membership secretary. Vera King and Steve Carr, joint editors. Flamenco News editor. Alan Haigh, website and emails. John Bodley, guitar class. John Ward, Kaori Nishimura, Carole Edrich, Koen Matthys.

1 Letters

o Marukuni, in writing about Japanese then finding things go so wrong. How can Night at Heaven on June 11, observed artists refuse to perform! (And still expect to thatY other students said they would love to get their money) Still, once the show did get be on as important a stage as those who did under way, the attention given the group was the first part of the show. Know the feeling! such that there was not even a cough from the But all would agree they had worked very audience. Wish we’d heard the whole planned hard to be there. Pity more people didn’t programme! It was so different the next realise how good a show it was going to time at Heaven. One Japanese singer, one be. Perhaps they did not know how many Japanese dancer, one Spanish guitarist: they totally dedicated aficionados there are in talked to people, if words failed they used Japan, and how many Japanese people live body language, then went up there and did a and work in London tremendous performance. Takis Cruz, London. John Norton, Basingstoke

The Peña provides a place at Juergas for all to experience what it feels like to go out on stage, possibly in preparation for something more not-infrequently hear (ex-)members elsewhere… Ring Caroline, event co-ordinator, complain that their newsletter stopped for a place at the next one. comingI and I would ask why they hadn’t got in touch with the membership secretary. This year it happened to me when I noticed that What’s all this about, having a section in my renewal cheque had not been cashed three Japanese? Are we going to have Finnish next? months after posting. It must have got lost in If there is to be another language, surely it the post. should be Spanish? And why is there no longer a prototype Julia Vezza, Ronda membership application/renewal form or information about the cost of membership The Finns (article in Spring issue) are really keen and admission charges? on flamenco. They were tangoing away when Arye Finkle, North London we were stuck on the Beatles. And we all know how popular tango is here now! The Japanese Good points. Membership forms: two problems . written language is so different from what we are Adapting to the new size, and the dreaded VAT. accustomed to that it may not have been evident Our membership secretary is: that the Japanese section was a translation of articles also printed in English. (ed.) Ron Le Voi. Flat 6, s an old friend of Jingle I was mortified 43/53 Myddelton Square, to see what he had to do to get the London, EC1R 1YD. GypsyA group on stage at Heaven in April. The tel. 0207 2782684. committee must have been wrung out after Or there’s the website: organising an event at a venue like that and www.flamenco-london.org.uk 2 Boxing Clever

o Flamenco News has undergone yet an- needed to earn a living. Some of her innova- other metamorphosis! Last time it emerged tions will be retained, though not all. Slike a butterfly. This time it will be more like a Flamenco News will now be three times a year. bee, flitting from flower to flower and bring- Autumn, early spring and late spring. Summer, ing you all the there will be buzz. For the a mail-out, first time it including will have joint news of any editors, with events. It is talents com- also planned plementing that listings, each other, and courses, etc, spreading the will be more workload. And up-to-date: input too from various snags other members meant some of the commit- were missed tee. last time. And You already don’t forget know the joint that our web- editors: Steve Nuria Garcia & Ron Hitchins ‘boxing clever’ site (www. Carr, himself a at Ron’s 80th birthday party, organised by Nuria. flamenco- former editor, photo by David Bateman. london.org. and your cur- uk) is there to rent chairman, Vera King. Steve’s pieces have be consulted, and that website supremo Alan been so much enjoyed over the years, always an Haigh sends a monthly email on the following informed read, and his knowledge of the fla- week’s show. We have been asked to provide menco scene and his contacts are invaluable, through the newsletter information on upcom- while Vera is former editor of Flamenco Inter- ing shows. This we will do when we can. But national.. often discussions with artists are not concluded in time. We cannot say a big enough thank you to Car- ole Edrich for all the work she did in revitalis- Don’t forget, the pages of Flamenco News are ing Flamenco News. It has been much admired open to all. There’s the Letters to the Editor, and the compliments were without number. News and Views, Future Events…. However it was expensive, in both money and time. A projection showed the cost to be more than membership fees were bringing in, leaving Vera King nothing for administration. And for Carole, a Steve Carr freelance writer, it took up large slabs of time

3 SO WHAT’S NEWS? Thanks to sterling work by event co-ordinator Caroline Wolff we can announce the peña programme for the next three months…

OCTOBER 8: St Aloysius Social Club These shows will all be at our home venue, Taconeo Grupo Flamenco including St Aloysius Social Club, Eversholt Street, guitarist Tony el Despeinao and dancers corner of Phoenix Road, NW1. Anika, Sara La Frasca and La Fumi. (Euston station and Underground) OCTOBER 15: Quecumbar Battersea, DECEMBER 10: Heaven London, Fiesta Flamenca with Anita la Christmas and a very special performance, Maltesa, dancer, Ramon Ruiz, guitar, and Alma Flamenca, principals Felipe de Genevieve Wilkins, percussion. Admission Algeciras and Carmela Romero with a £12 on the door or book www.quecumbar. total line-up of 10 artists, an event NOT co.uk.Info www.fiestaflamenca.com. TO BE MISSED. It will be at our special show venue, Heaven Nightclub, The OCTOBER 16: Quecumbar. Arches, Charing Cross. Line-up: Felipe Battersea. London, Alcazaba with Ramón de Algeciras, Carmela Romero, Carmen Ruiz (flamenco guitar), Attab Haddad Tevar, Pacheca, dancers; Tito Heredia, (Iraqi oud), Teymour Housego (Indian and Ramon Ruiz, guitar; Olayo Jimenez, jazz flutes), Genevieve Wilkins (percussion) Jasmine Villalobos, singers; Andres Picino, and Eva Piñero Mesa (flamenco song). percussion; Nicolas Britch, flute. Tickets £13 on the door, or book www. JANUARY 14: St Aloysius Social Club quecumbar.co.uk. Mario Basilisco, guitar, and dancer Maribel OCTOBER 22: Costa Dorada. la Manchega Hanway Street, W1. Pepa Molina, Felipe JANUARY 27: El Camino. Algeciras, Olayo Jimenez and Ramon Ruiz. High Wycombe. Performance with Anita Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm £10. Galia and Marco el Salmonete. Food and drink available. Limited space, Details 01295 738869, production@ book 0207 598 9034 or 07940 592138, by caminoflamenco.co.uk email, [email protected] OCTOBER 23: Barbican Centre. Qawwali Flamenco, with Duquende and , flamenenco cante and guitar, from Barcelona, and Ali Faiz Qawwali, singer, from Pakistan. £12.50, £17.50, £22.50. NOV 12: St Aloysius Social Club Francisco Antonio (who teaches our now well-known guitar course) and group. (This means that the November Juerga talent night will be postponed because of the availability of Francisco Antonio, an event eagerly awaited) La Chiqui 4 - LA TATI ESTRELLA - “ has never had such a grand dancer as La Tati” – Ángel Álvarez Caballero. El Pais

verywhere La Tati goes praise swirls about her like the bata de cola with which she is so adept. And on October 15 she will be the star performer at the revitalised EHackney Empire, highlight of the Tenth Anniversary Tour of Flamenco Express. She is an unquestioned prima flamenca, yet a warm and friendly personality. Francisca Sadornil Ruiz was born in Madrid in the rastro, where her parents had a stall. She took her first dance steps at the age of six when she was allowed to watch classes in return for doing little services for the dance academy. At 12 she was a soloist. Hard work and dedication led to appearances with famous artists too numerous to mention, and her own company. She is an artist with a large London following. The Flamenco Express autumn tour includes 2 shows featuring La Tati: October 14. Trinity Theatre. Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. £15 and concessions, box: 01892 678678. www.trinitytheatre.net. October 15. Hackney Empire. 291 Mare Street, London, E8 1EJ. £15, £13, £10. box: 0208 985 2424. www.hackneyempire.co.uk. Full Company: Cante: Mateo Soleá, Ana de los Reyes, and the return of London favourite, Manuel de Malena. Guitar: Jesus Alvarez, Cris Mullett. Baille: La Joaquina, Gemma de la Cruz, Rosa de las Heras - and La Tati... ! October 16. Open Workshops by La Tati. Latin Quarter, 87 Hampstead Road, NW1 Intermediate/advanced 2-4pm. Beginners/improvers 4.30 - 6.30. ALL CLASSES £20. Book 0207 732 8493. email [email protected] for links to more information and videos of La Tati see:

www.flamencoexpress.co.uk • www.flamencoexpress.blogspot.com (interview) •

ALMA FLAMENCA Friday October 20 to Sunday, October 22. Dance Attic, 368 North End Road, Fulham, SW6, Three day beginners and elementary course by Felipe de Algeciras; intermediate and advanced by course Pepa Molina, from Madrid, both will teach an additional bulerías course. Ramón Ruiz will teach guitar, and Olayo Jimenez, singing. tel: 07939 570889. [email protected]. • LA CHIQUI DE JEREZ December 1, 2 and 3 Jubilee Hall, Studio 2, 30 The Piazza, Covent Garden, WC2E 8BE. La Chiqui de Jerez will be teaching a special course in association with Ilusion Flamenca. Beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. tel: 07931341754. (pictured opposite) email: [email protected](.

5 SENSACIONES

n a brave departure from the usual flamenco pieces, particularly in Bodas de Sangre, Yerma format Aire Flamenco presented Sensaciones, and La Casa de Bernarda Alba. Ibased on the work of poet and dramatist While the Arcola festival rightly focused Federico García Lorca - and marking the 70th on his work as a dramatist and poet, it also anniversary of his death in 1936 - as part of recognised that he championed flamenco, the Viva Lorca Festival at the Arcola Theatre, and from this viewpoint Nuria García, of Hackney, August 21 to 26. SENSACIONES the London Escuela de Baile, was asked to By Rowena Ritchie and Aila Baila. put on a performance. A series of foyer events Federico García Lorca has been acknowledged accompanied by Angus followed the end of the as one of the poets who contributed the most main play on several nights, and the group then to flamenco. It inspired some of his books, was encouraged by Arcola to take the more especially Romancero Gitano (1928) and challenging approach of integrating some of Poema del (1931), and a flamenco Lorca’s poetry into a production for studio 2. and gypsy flavour is also found in his theatre

“Without being a real expert in the field of flamenco, Lorca showed a great intuition, an exquisite sensibility for taking in what was most delicate and beautiful in an art form that moved him”. Ángel Álvarez Caballero

his was not a challenge was not one of his happiest we undertook lightly periods. Our desire to stay T– there have been too with the South American many horror stories about feel led us to choose the productions that failed guajira as a style of dance. to please because of their The Ballad of the Moon efforts to integrate other just seemed to call for a art forms. tarantos, with its intertwining references to The concept of Sensaciones was to look for death and romance. So much of Lorca’s work inspiration from Lorca’s poetry and explore was evocative of the soleá - the darkness, the sensations evoked through the mixture of sorrow and anguish. The challenge was to find his poetry and the art of flamenco. We found a short piece that would fit without taking it inspiration as a starting point by looking at into melodrama, and still give room for more Lorca’s essay on duende, and from there the intensity. path led us to . After many trials, we finally chose the What influenced our choice of poetry? I think Casida of one wounded by water, as the probably the poetry chose us. Fernando de poem for Oliver’s soleá por bulerías: Sevilla wanted to sing Verde, as it is a Lorca “I want to go down to the well, I want poem. This influenced us to look at the To die my death by mouthfuls, American/Cuban phase of Lorca’s work, but to fill my heart with moss, to see one wounded this was – though brilliant – quite dark as it by the water.” ctd opposite 6 SO HOT IT WAS COOL….

he Spanish Dance Society’s International lenging and especially so this year as we were Summer School at Dance Attic in Ful- learning a siguiriyas. What struck me most Tham in July took place in the hottest weather about Virginia Dominguez’s technical classes it had ever experienced, but enthusiasm – from was her fluidity of movement and her unflag- teachers, musicians and students – was tire- ging vitality. She also took time to explain the less. different nuances between Escuela Bolera and President Dame Marina Keet gave a fine lec- Danza Estilizada. I love the clarity of the ture demonstration of a type for which she is teaching of Gemma de la Cruz as well as her particularly noted, with dancers Lynn Mar- sense of humour. tlew (Australia), Isabel Baquero (UK), Fran- “I thought it was especially nice to see teach- cesca Fröhlich (UK), Lara Lanfranco (Malta) ers taking part in each other’s classes and and Gillian Hurst (UK). Richard Lester, a really enjoying learning from each other.” leading harpsichord player who has researched Michelle Jarrot from Australia: “Our first class Spanish folk music and dance, gave a live per- was technique with Virginia Dominguez. By formance while the audience was able to watch the end of the five days it was remarkable to his DVD and Francesca and Ruan Crighton, see…. a transformation. Our backs were held of the Central School of Ballet, danced a 10- beautifully and we all looked taller. With such minute , choreographed by Dame a wonderful teacher and dancer to look at Marina. every day it was an inspiration to us all. Our Student Natisha Baxter (UK): “I always come flamenco teacher was Alicia Marquez. It was away feeling incredibly privileged…. primar- a pleasure to work hard for her in this particu- ily because of the exceptionally high qual- larly hot English summer!” ity of the teaching, the incredibly informative Palmas and cante workshops were led by An- lecture demonstrations, and the generosity gus Cruickshank and Mark Brown. of spirit which pervades the whole five days. Classes with Alicia Marquez are always chal- Sherrill Wexler

(‘Sensaciones’ ctd.) Our narrator Suzanne Aire Flamenco Goldberg was influential in selecting the poetry and in influencing the tone and staging of each Singer: Fernando de Sevilla, dance into an integral whole. Credit must also Dancers: Katarina, Aila, Rowena, Oliver. go to musicians, Fernando, for working so hard Guitar and cajon: Marco de Salmonete. to make the cante fit with the mood and style Guitar and palmas: Angel El Callao. of the piece, and guitarists Angus and Mark for Narrator: Suzanne Goldberg. Director:Rowena their inspired compositions and interpretations. Ritchie. Artistic Director: Pascale Langdale. Always intended to be an abstract piece, Lighting: David Salter. Choreography: we were hopeful that we would honour the Inspiration from Nuria Garcia and Escuela genius of Lorca through our production whilst de Baile, choreography from Domingo Ortega, inviting the audience to share some of what Charo Cruz, Rafaela Carrasco, , and makes flamenco exciting and dear to us (non- the company. Spaniard) ‘payos’!

7 FESTIVAL ON REGENT STREET

El Grupo de Nano de Jerez

pictures by Amelia Garcia

aving palms, sun, sand and a sea of to the Shoreditch Festival and the Carnaval faces transformed London’s Regent del Pueblo in Burgess Park, South London, WStreet on Sunday, September 3 for the annual organised by Southwark Council and the Spanish Festival. Countless thousands passed biggest South American event in Britain. through the street during the day, sampling Juerga! followed on October 8 downstairs at the culture, food and drink of many different the Spice Lounge in Cleveland Street, W1. In regions. May they are off to the feria at Arcos de la Andalucía had enormous marquee packed Frontera. for a rolling programme of flamenco from a group led by singer Nano de Jerez, with Nuria Martín, Taila Marín and Lidia Fernandez, who all three sang and danced – you could say there was a profusion of bulerías – accompanied by guitarist Ignacio Franco. Nuria Martín is no stranger to the Peña: she was one of the artists in the Juan Martín Christmas concert last year. See the festival next year for a fun day out! The big day was preceded by three evenings of flamenco in Heddon Street, just off Regent Street, featuring Carmela Romero, Alicia Alonso, Lola Rueda, Oliver, Jorge Bravo, Tony el Despeinao, Fernando de Sevilla, Manuel de Cadiz, Jasmine Villalobos, Tito Heredia, Marco and the Ilusion Flamenca dance group. It was a busy summer for Alicia Alonso and Lola Ruedo, Jasmin Villalobos students that Ilusion Flamenca took along Heddon St. - by Mike Jones 8 SALVADOR - happy days

When I spoke to restaurateur Salvador Soriano about his retirement he was on the beach in Valencia “practising” swimming and looking forward to a birthday meal in the evening with his wife Kathleen, writes VERA KING

His restaurant, Salvador’s El Bodegon in “I’ll miss all the customers and the work, Park Walk, West Brompton, London’s specially the flamenco nights. It was a spe- longest-established Spanish restaurant and cial night for me.” It’s true that he thrived tapas bar, closed in July after 31 years. For on flamenco nights and the pressure of serv- most of that time the Bodegon featured fla- ing a full restaurant in a way that did not menco, and had many famous people among detract from the show. its customers. “My chef, Carlos Gonzales Meantime Salvador has taken up swim- Alonso, and I, we started together 31 years ming twice a week for the exercise. “I used ago. I am 64 now and he is 67 and we are to walk miles every tired. It is time to en- day. One Saturday joy life,” says Salvador. night I clipped a little Hence spending his counter on my belt birthday on the beach and it showed 22,500 at his home city of Va- steps!” (A well-known lencia. It was Carlos diet programme rec- who made the fantas- ommends that people tic tortillas included wanting to lose weight for years in the tapas should do 10,000 steps at the Peña, and voted a day). by members “the best in London”. Though Over the years he has when Carlos was off, been of great support or away, Salvador did to the peña, always a the kitchen himself. prize for the Christ- mas raffle, and if we Salvador’s day began Happy days at The Bodegon. could not pick up the at 7am with the mar- dancers: Juani & Luisa. singer: Rogelio de tortillas, he’s send keting and finished Malaga. guitar: Mario Basilisco. them over by limo. when the restaurant closed at night. After such an active life he’s He and his wife live at Wimbledon and not sure how long full retirement will last. have three children, Salvador, Maria and “I’d like to do some relief work perhaps over Kathleen. All have been involved in the a weekend or where a sole owner cannot go business. Many Happy Days in retirement away on holiday, but would if he was sure Salvador! his business was in good hands.

9 Los Morente - flamenco stars The two most controversial singers in flamenco music today are Enrique and . They went global this year - Enrique appearing with Sonic Youth punk rockers and in the UK Womad while Estrella gave Penelope Cruz a flamenco voice in Almodóvar’s hit film, Volver. STEVE CARR shows how father and daughter are on a mission to save flamenco singing from oblivion.

hen Enrique The tumult of criti- M o r e n t e cism culminated in the steppedW onto the stage Omega CD of 1996, in Shepherds Bush a fusion of rock music Hall in London this and flamenco which July, he appeared like was the last straw for an old rocker doing many. If you have lis- an impromptu acous- tened to Morente on tic gig. Morente kept record there is no mis- it simple, delivering taking his innovative a traditional soleá, a zeal and musicianship. malagueña and Yet Morente is more secos, yet he spiced it dedicated than most with the exciting mu- to keeping flamenco sical sound he has in- Enrique Morente. live and dedicated to troduced to flamenco its history: “The im- that will keep the mu- portant thing is for sic going for years to come. creation not to stop, since flamenco is kept by Having worked his way up from his native professionals who study to be able to create,” to Madrid during the 1960s Enrique he said recently. started-out by virtually copying the style of Estrella Morente has learned carefully from the greats such as Don Antonio Chacón and her father, drawing deeply on the old styles, Manolo Caracol. The first signs of individual- especially from the voice of La Niña de los ism came when he introduced poetry into fla- Peines, the greatest female singer of the early menco, rather than the traditional folk letras, 20th Century. At the same time, she has in- drawing on writers such as Hernández, San troduced a breathy and intimate texture to her Juan de la Cruz, and Lope delivery from the modern worlds of folk, pop de Vega. and jazz. On her mother’s side are part of the Morente was one of the first to champion talented gypsy Carbonell clan with whom Es- García Lorca at a time when the cultural elite trella is working extensively. Still only in her in Spain were ignoring the gay poet’s legacy. early twenties, she has mothered two children But it was 20 years into his flamenco life when and four albums in three years. She stays fo- Enrique started to do something that would cused on flamenco song despite distractions of revolutionise flamenco for ever. He experi- celebrity owing to her marriage to the beauti- mented with harmonics and the melodic line ful bullfighter Javier Conde. Those who saw to create something totally new. The sound her at the Barbican in London last year were drew deeply from Spanish, Arabic and Jewish overwhelmed by her bold and brassy person- musical forms and cost him dearly with the ality, the vital star flamenco singing needs to die-hard traditionalists on the Spanish peña keep the flame alight. circuit - where he never performs to this day. CTD opposite 10 Ilusion Flamenca on parade at Southwark’s Carnaval Del Pueblo.

photos by Mike Jones -’ The Pixel Painter’

[Enrique Morente appeared at the Shepherds Hall in July with Manuel Parrilla, guitar and chorus/palmas from Pepe Luis Carmona and Ángel Gabarre. Enrique’s latest CD is Sueña la Alhambra and his biography is out now: La Voz Libre, by Balbino Gutiérrez , SGAE, Spanish Society of Authors.]

11 Sevilla - The Essence Amarita Vargas, Director of Oxford Flamenco Academy, reflects on her first encounter with flamenco and sevillanas in El Tambouril, Sevilla.

first discovered flamenco in Sevilla I go to the bar and order a drink. The about 13 years ago. Disenchanted bartender is a tiny man with lean, leathery withI postgraduate life at Oxford and the hands and a face furrowed by time. Next to academic environment I the bar there is an elaborately walked into the travel agent decorated statue of the Virgin and said “I’d like a one-way in a special casing – like a ticket to Sevilla – tomorrow small altar. please”. Just then a short, stocky man, On arriving I wandered his face severely mutilated by around the old quarter of the some terrible accident, takes city listening at doorways up the song. His pain and for a sign…. Suddenly I’m grief are immense, and yet on the threshold of a tiny he calls and sings from the room crammed full of people heart of him – the source singing, playing guitars of himself. There it is – the and tambourines, dancing, complement to the fiesta. laughing, shouting and joking The mood is intense, deep, to each other. The air is thick dark, unrelenting. And now with heat, sweat, cigarettes I understand it - the white and spontaneity. There is dove that I saw flying with hardly enough room for even one couple to the bat before my window earlier that night. dance. The tables are knocked over (to loud Life is there – every element of it - the cheers) as two men stand on chairs to give sorrow of the Virgin, the grief of this man, more force to their playing and singing. A the unquenchable spirit of the dance and woman dances – flame and bird and feeling song, the purity of the moment. – another is tension and playfulness – and Thirteen years on I am still on a one-way the youngest like a young mare – growing ticket into flamenco. I never did finish my into herself. Broken glass, wet floor, strong PhD… bodies, hands, attention. TOURS Paco Peña Wigmore Hall, London, on December 6. Paco is currently touring two shows, ‘A Compas’ - his new show seen at the Peacock in London earlier this year, at the Opera House in Tbilisi on October 15, and Istanbul on December 21. And earlier in December, Misa Flamenca in Italy.

Juan Martín November: 1st St George’s, Bristol • 3rd Ironworks, Inverness • 4th Shetland Guitar Festival, Lerwick • 7th Edinburgh • 9th His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen • 11th Ashcroft Arts Centre • 16th Aldershot, West End Centre • 20th Exeter.

12 News From Spain - steve carr

ocío Jura- at one point with sharp knives strapped to do was the his boots in a homage to the taurine art.

Rvoice of Spain: as Edith Piaf w was to France. I was in Ma- he dancer Sara Baras has been very busy drid this May this year extending her range into clas- when “the girl Tsical music and ballet (Albéniz and Manuel from Chipi- de Falla), including a collaboration at the ona” died, Palafrugell theatre with José Carreras, now and the city known as Josep Carreras as he is known in his came to a halt native Cataluña. Rocío Jurado as her body was officially w laid in state at Colón, the media ran round- the-clock eulogies to her spirit and forti- he top tude in the face of her cancer and her bull- prize in fighter husband, Ortago Cano, wept in TSpain for up front of the cameras as millions watched. and coming flamenco sing- w ers has long been to win lthough she was in later life more of a the Lámpara popular singer than a flamenco artist, Minera at the RocíoA began on the flamenco tablao circuit in Cante del las Madrid with Manolo Caracol and Pastora Im- Minas contest perio, and collaborated with many flamencos in the far-flung such as El Lebrijano and Manolo Sanlúcar. eastern town of La Unión. This September it She is at her very best in the closing sequence was won by Miguel de Tena from Badajoz of ’s Sevillanas film, surrounded in Extremadura. According to the new rules by swirling dancers, full of life. introduced last year, the winner of the Lám- para must win first prize in mineras and w one other mining cante - so it is a tough test. The 30-year-old won it for his superb rendition he Bienal de Flamenco in dur- of a . Yet again the event was marred ing September and October includes by dispute, this time complaints from no fewer Tseveral major new works including the ever- than three aggrieved runners-up. Surprise green Mario Maya, , Cristina winner of the dance prize was María Juncal Hoyos - and several works by enfant terrible from the Canary Islands, and the guitar prize of flamenco dance, Israel Galván, includ- went to Juan José Rodríguez. ing a revival of his amazing Arena show in which he dances solo for nearly two hours, w 13 News From Spain - steve carr

he excel- alistic gypsy wedding scene which makes you lent biopic want to run off to Spain right away and party Tfilm by Jaime until the early hours. Chavarri about the legendary w cantaor José Monge Cruz Town Hall decree in Madrid prohibits - Camarón de entry to minors under 16 at certain types la Isla - sim- ofA music venue. Several venues, including fla- ply titled Ca- menco haunts such as La Rivera and Cardo- marón, is now momo, have implemented the policy. The once Camarón out on DVD liberal attitude of Spain toward children being with English out all hours alongside adults is slowly ebbing subtitles. The peña is thinking of putting on away. a special screening of this film about the rock and roll lifestyle of flamenco’s once fashionable w singer. But if you get to the shops first it is really worth purchasing for the incredibly re-

Ramon Montoya ore great Montoya Salazar, died in July aged 74. The n a m e s grand singer Manuel Mancheño Peña, El Mslip into his- Turronero, died in September at 59. He tory. The gui- lived most of his life between Utrera (a rela- tarist Ramón tion of Fernanda de Utrera) and Madrid. He Montoya, of often collaborated with the guitarists Paco Ciudad Real, Cepero and Diego del Gastor and the danc- grandnephew er Antonio Gades, and will be remembered of the mae- for his all-round artistry and incorporation stro Ramón of South- American songs into flamenco.

JUERGA! FEBRUARY 10, 2007 This is always a fun talent night. Book your spot with Caroline on 0208 208 1487. And don’t forget, there’s time to perform to an appreciative audience any peña night before the main show.

14 Fernanda de Utrera

trera lies at the centre and cantiñas of the golden triangle and other rare cante. In Uof flamenco between her youth, she won great Seville, Cádiz and Jerez acclaim on the Madrid and is believed to have flamenco circuit with her been the birthplace of the sister Bernarda for fast serious soleá song form. bulerías interpretations Possibly the greatest female that were picked up by exponent of the cante por the commercial flamenco soleá in last century was scene of the 1970s. Fernanda de Utrera, who Fernanda won most of died at 83 this August the top accolades in the after a long illness. flamenco world and was Born Fernanda Jiménez honoured with the rare

Peña, she was part of Fernanda de Utrera National Prize from the the great clan of butcher Cátedra de Flamencología. trade gypsies originating She was a witty and good- from nearby Lebrija that went by the name looking woman who actively promoted gypsy of Pinini (“little ones” in the gypsy Calo culture against the odds in Franco’s Spain, for language). She was thus related to people such many years accompanied by the guitarist Paco as the Peña family of Lebrijano and Dorantes, del Gastor. In recent years some flamenco the guitarist singers have started referring to their next Pedro Bacan and Los Perrate. song as “un palo de Fernanda” guaranteeing Fernanda kept alive some very old songs this amazing singer a place in history where handed down to her as a child by the she rightly belongs. legendary female singer of the 19th century, La Sernata. But she was also a fine singer of STEVE CARR

Carlos El Australiano A few years back the Peña Flamenca de known locally, is the life and soul of many Londres was presented with a large metal flamenco peñas around Pechina. He was trophy in the shape of a shell as a friendship largely responsible for keeping afloat the bi- gesture from the members of the Peña El annual Caldo Minero festival which takes Yunque in Pechina, Almería. In this dusty place at the site of the old arab baths in the corner of Andalucía they know their tarantas hills above Almería capital. from their tarantos but it is so hot very few In a recent interview with Carlos that British expats settle there. appeared in La Voz de Almería newspaper he Charles and Chrissy Willgoss moved to praised the London peña for its afición and Pechina nine years ago after decades in Sydney capacity to fill whole theatres in the capital. So and quickly became part of the community. in return, “good on ya” Carlos - con amistad! Charles, or Carlos El Australiano, as he is STEVE CARR

15 CD Reviews

EL INDIO GITANO El Indio Gitano died too young six years ago just before his 60th birthday. Hearing his extremeño gypsy voice live was like being grabbed by the throat and shaken violently. You can reproduce that terrifying experience from the comfort of your own sofa by listening to an excellent new compilation of his best work, simply entitled El Indio Gitano (Universal label).

DUQUENDE

MIGUEL POVEDA After a dry period comes a flood of recordings, many from new independent labels in Spain, not just the multinationals. Floating to the top is the ever-youthful Miguel Continuing the Catalan theme, Duquende’s Poveda, who was spellbinding in his show new CD, Mi Forma de Vivir (K. Industria at the Union Chapel for the Peña Flamenca label), is offered as a homage to Barcelona de Londres a few years back. His recent hit gypsies. It is driven along by excellent guitar album of Catalan poetry set to song, Desglaç accompaniment from Chicuelo, who wrote (Tallermusics), has made him a cultural icon in most of the highly varied material. Barcelona, where he was born. Poveda actually resides way down south in Huelva these days, POTITO where he has been acquiring an Andalusian Like Duquende, Potito is one of a dwindling texture to his powerful flamenco voice. His band of singers who continue in the Camarón latest flamenco CD, Tierra de Calma, is a style. But signs of fresh influences are present collaboration with the Huelva guitarist Juan on this new recording, Barrio Alto, produced Carlos Romero, who previously launched the by Diego Amador and accompanied by Diego career of Archángel. It features Moraíto Chico Morao, son of Moraíto Chico. The Sevillian on guitar, Dorantes on piano and flamenco cantaor performs varied styles of festive tangos “rap” from Diego Carrasco. The palos are and bulerías, the surprising triumph being a deep and majestic, notably the toná, soleá and thoughtful taranta, A Mi Malena. malagueña. Fun is had too with a spirited sevillanas and a copla sung in the tradition of JUAN DIEGO de JEREZ Canción Español. It is a magical recording. If you like flamenco guitar but find cante too traumatic, the new album by Juan Diego of

16 CD Reviews

Jerez is for you. He is well-known as a dance QAWWALI accompanist for people like Joaquín Cortés and El Pipa and also works in the USA with rock musicians. His new DVD/CD is called From The Heart of Andalucía - the English title because the recording is a demonstration disc by the loudspeaker company, Bose. The live sound gives detail and the palos are traditional but the singing by El Londro and the zapateado of Andrés Peña are timid.

ESTRELLA MORENTE

On Qawwali Flamenco (Accords-Croises label) you get two for the price of one many times over : Flamenco and Qawwali music of Pakistan, and Duquende, a CD and a DVD. It is an electrifying live performance of two cultures sharing certain common musical roots while also showing off their uniqueness. See ‘What’s News’ for details of Barbican performance. STEVE CARR

JUAN MARTIN Just when you think flamenco is dead, along Juan Martín releases a new CD, Rumbas comes someone to breath new life into it. Originales, on October 16: 16 original rumbas Estrella Morente’s Mujeres recording (Virgin) composed during the course of his career, some shows confidence in her adopted “ancient and of which are not currently available elsewhere. modern” style. It is a varied tribute to her “Very occasionally a player emerges in the world favourite female singers, from La Perla de of the guitar, who defies categorisation. He Cádiz to Nina Simone. is the player who invents his own idiom, who plays in a manner and in a style that is entirely MIGUEL ÁNGEL CORTÉS his own. The variety and the originality of this Finally, way of contrast, an unpretentious composer for guitar is evident though we only guitar album is Bordón de Trapo from Miguel hear him express himself here through one Ángel Cortés who keeps the compás tight and form,” say the sleeve notes. gives prominence to featured singers including the sublime Carmen Linares, Esperanza ••• Fernández and Arcángel. 17 classes ● ACADEMÍA hotmail.com flamenco.htm. FLAMENCA www.fiestaflamenca.com ● EMMA LA GRIZADA Urdang Academy, 20 Shelton ● CARMELA ROMERO West Greenwich Community Street, WC2 (continuous Expressions Studios, 31/51 Centre, 141 Greenwich High registration) Linton House, Highgate Road, Greenwich,. SE10 Wednesdays: intermediate Road, Kentish Town, NW5 Tuesdays: beginners 6.30-7.30, 6.30-7.30, advanced 7.30-8.30, Wednesdays: beginners 7-8, improvers 7.30-8.30, lower beginners 8.30-9.30 elementary 8.15-9.30. intermediate 8.30-9.30 Details: Maribel la Manchega Jacksons Lane Community Details: 020 8305 6888, www. 020 7592 9406, www. Centre, 269a Archway Road, ritmoflamenco.co.uk academía.flamenca.co.uk London, N6. Fridays: one ● ESCUELA DE BAILE ● ANGELA ALONSO hour technique and one hour Latin Quarter Studios, 87 The Place, 17 Duke’s Road, choreography intermediate/ Hampstead Road, NW1 Studio 2, Euston, WC1 9PY advanced 7.15 –9.15. Also (Warren Street) Mondays: beginners tientos private tuition. Mondays: elementary 6.30-8, 6.30-8, intermediate guajiras Details: 020 8960 4747, 07816 new beginners 8-9.30 8-9.30. 896678 Tuesdays: lower technique 30 Jubilee Hall, Covent www.aco@carmelaflamenco. 6.30-8, 8-9.30 lower Garden Piazza, WC2, studio com elementary choreography. 2 (next to Transport Museum ● DANIELLE ALLAN Wednesdays: intermediate above public lavatories) Carshalton High School for technique and choreography Thursdays: introduction to Girls 10.30am-12.30pm, (ends 5.10.06) 7-8, Tuesdays: general level 7-9pm higher technique 6.30-8, beginners sevillanas 8-9.30 Details/enrol 020 8770 6901, intermediate and advanced Saturdays: beginners tangos www.scola.ac.uk. choreography 8-9.30 1-3, low intermediate garrotin City Lit, Keeley House, Thursdays: lower intermediate 3-5 Keeley Street, Holborn, studio choreography 6-7.15, middle Details: 07931 341 754, 103. Thursdays: beginners technique 7.15-20.45, ilusionflamenca@hotmail. 1.20-2.50; intermediate 2.50- intermediate choreography com, www.ilusionflamenca. 4.20. 20.45-2200. Fridays: co.uk Details: 07765 261 477. www. elementary technique and ● ANITA LA MALTESA citylit.ac.uk/drama choreography 10.30 am-12.30, Arts Educational School, Mango Landin’, Brixton beginners with Fumi 10.30- 14 Bath Road, Chiswick Saturdays: beginners 3-4.30 12, improvers with Rowena (Turnham Green tube) (fandangos and sevillanas), 6.30-8, bulerías with Oliver Thursdays: new beginners elementary 4-5.30 (sevillanas 7-8.30. course 7.30-8.30 and soleá) £10 per class, £15 ● FELIPE DE ALGECIRAS Saturdays: elementary, pm for both. Jacksons Lane Community Sevillanas workshops O’Reilly Upstairs Bar, Centre, Jacksons Lane, 269a over Sat/Sun probably last Kentish Town. Archway Road, N6 weekend in month Sundays: sevillanas 11.30-1pm Tuesdays: elementary 6-7, Also private classes £10. technique all levels 7-8, Details: 020 8630 9488, 07957 [email protected] improvers 8-9. 659973, anitalamaltesa@ www.DanielleAllan.com/ Thursdays beginners 6- 18 classes 7, low intermediate 7-8, 8.15-9.15, advanced 9.15-10.15 12, 07903 52430, www. intermediate/advanced 8-9. La Tasca Restaurant, The flamencodancer.co.uk Also private tuition Brewery, Romford, Essex Details: 020 7511 8264, 07939 Thursdays: sevillanas course ● CAMINO del 570889, feliflam@hotmail. 8-9.15 FLAMENCO com Also one-day workshops, Banbury (North Oxfordshire), ● FENELLA BARKER Debden House, Debden, Mondays pm, three levels, Morley College, Westminster Essex Also one-day 4-7, 8-11, 12-16, 01295 Bridge Road, SE1 (Waterloo, workshops at Debden House, 738869, production@ Lambeth North) Debden, Essex caminodelflamenco.co.uk. Thursdays: beginners 1.30- Details: 07903 524630, www. 2.30, improvers 2.30-4 (with flamencodancer.co.uk BIRMINGHAM & DERBY castanets) Details: 07711 ● ANA GARCÍA 262771, fenella.flamenco@ GREATER LONDON 0121 240 7828, 0705 004 amserve.com, dancedrama@ ● CAMINO del 1628. morleycollege.ac.uk FLAMENCO ● JUANI GARCÍA Banbury (North Oxfordshire), BRACKNELL Beckenham and Wimbledon, Mondays, all levels ● CHRIS HOLLEY all levels High Wycombe (Bucks), 01344 780677 Details: 020 8879 0102 Tuesdays, all levels ● LA JOAQUINA Abingdon (South BRISTOL & CARDIFF Greenwich Dance Agency. Oxfordshire), Thursdays, ● JOSÉ GARCÍA Royal Hill. Greenwich SE10. beginners, elementary 016338 65325 Wednesdays: beginners 6.30- Term bookings required. 8, improvers 8-9.30 Some classes have waiting lists BRIGHTON HOVE & Details: G.D.A. 020 8879 Details: Rosi Reed, 01295 HORSHAM 0102. 738869, production@ ● ANNA DUEÑAS LEON www.flamencoexpress.co.uk caminodelflamenco.co.uk 01273 506681, annaleon@ ● ROSARIO SERRANO onetel.net.uk, www. Garage Studio, Priest’s CHILDREN flamencodance.co.uk. Bridge, Sheen, Richmond ● ESCUELA DE BAILE Tuesdays: advanced 12.30- Latin Quarter Studios, 87 MANCHESTER 1.30. Thursdays: beginners Hampstead Road, NW1 ● BRENDA STORY 7.30, intermediate/advanced (Warren Street). Saturdays, 0161 973 6687, brendastory@ 8.45 dance and drama school, three onetel.com Details: 9020 8286 6741 levels from 4-5 years upwards, ● SANDRA LA ESPUELITA ballet, flamenco, street jazz OXFORD Memorial Hall, High Road, and drama. 020 8905 4554, ● AMARITA VARGAS South Woodford, E18 www.la-escuela-de-baile.co.uk 0845 4569459, 0790 4260636 Tuesdays: beginners 7-8, www.oxfordflamencoacademy. intermediate 8-9, advanced ● SANDRA la ESPUELITA co.uk 9-10 St Mary’s Church Hall, Memorial Hall, High Road, High Road, Loughton, Essex South Woodford, E18. SURREY Wednesdays: intermediate Tuesdays, 6-7pm, aged 5- ● CARMEN PACHECO 19 classes • classifieds • events • shops 01483 715558 www.vivaflamenco.com ● PEÑA FLAMENCA DE GUITAR - London ● RAMON RUIZ LONDRES PEÑA FLAMENCA DE Private guitar tuition. Notting Second Sunday in month LONDRES Hill Gate and Chiswick. 020 except August. Current venue Group course at two levels 7598 9034, 07940 592 138 St Aloysius Social Club, concentrating on playing ● STEVE HOMES corner Eversholt Street/ for dancer and singer, with Guitar performance. Tuition Phoenix Road (Euston), Francisco Antonio, Sundays, all levels. 07732 131 976 but occasional star events at YMCA, Great Russell Street ● TITO HEREDIA Heaven nightclub, Charing (Tottenham Ct Rd tube). All levels, private lessons or Cross. Contact John Bodley Scott, groups. 0208 671 2477 Details: www.flamenco- 07971 787 367 ● TONY EL DESPEINAO london.org.uk or 020 7703 ● Spanish Guitar Centre Performance and guitar 6893. Flamenco guitar lessons, one- tuition, based London SE. ● MESON DON FELIPE to-one, course and ensemble 020 8690 8424. tonytonks@ The Cut, Waterloo, Fernando classes for all abilities. 36 freenetname.co.uk Reyes, Mondays and Cranbourn Street,WC2 ● FRANCISCO ANTONIO Thursdays (Leicester Square) Flamenco guitarist, concerts, Details 020 7928 3237 Details: 020 7240 0754. tuition, background music. ● DON PEPE www.spanishguitarcentre.com 020 7328 4077 90 Frampton Street, London, ● London Guitar Centre. [email protected] NW8 (Edgware Road), Flamenco and Spanish ● JINGLE Fridays and Saturdays guitar tuition, various levels Classes with Jingle in Details: 020 7262 3834 and evenings. EL Mundo Almuñecar. Stay at his home, Flamenco, 62 Duke Street, pool. Solo or two students SHOPS W1 (Bond Street) sharing. 0034 9058 639551, Details: 020 7493 0033. 0034 699 789 3984 ● EL MUNDO FLAMENCO [email protected] 62 Duke Street, London W1 ● MARIO BASILISCO costumes, shoes, Flamenco guitar performance, JASMINE VILLALOBOS accessories, guitars, books, also private tuition all levels Flamenco singing, all levels, music, cds, videos. from beginners to concert. 020 8671 2477. 020 7493 0033, 07986 348793 info@almundoflamenco. ● BEN FOR SALE co.uk Flamenco guitar tuition with New flamenco guitar by Ben at Latin Quarter, 87 Valeriano Bernal, Cadiz, ● LATIN QUARTER Hampstead Road, NW1. 020 wwmodel Serenata. 87 Hampstead Road, 8521 4147, 07951 609 005, Exceptional flamenco sound, London NW1 benjaminflamencoguitarist@ low action and very easy to Guitars, CDs, videos, yahoo.co.uk play.Hard case. Hand-picked DVDs, dancewear, shoes, ● JUAN RAMIREZ by Jingle. £395. Contact Ron studios Individual, groups and Hitchins on 020 7249 1109. 020 7383 0567 performance, London, SE. www.latinquarter.org 020 8693 0760, REGULAR EVENTS ------

20 Pictures: David Hone PAST PEÑAS clockwise from above: July’s Juerga Sumaya Lola Ruedo. photo: mike jones