Paco Pena's Superb Performance in Washington, DC

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BarkellWH

Posts: 3459
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Washington, DC

Paco Pena's Superb Performance in Wa...

Went to the performance of Paco Pena and his group in Washington, DC last night (Sunday, 13 March), and it was absolutely superb! At the risk of offending those on this forum who refer to Paco de Lucia as "God," I have to say that I enjoyed Paco Pena's performance more than I did Paco de Lucia's when I saw him perform a few years ago. I realize all opinion is subjective, depending on the observer's taste, but my taste in flamenco runs more to the traditional, and although Paco Pena has made concessions to some fusion in playing and ballet in dance, he remains much more traditional than PDL, Vicente Amigo, and others.

One thing Paco Pena did last night that is rarely done anymore, he played a solo that consisted in large measure of tremolo. It was a heartbreakingly beautiful tremolo. Another thing, he played a couple of guitar solos (Soleares) with one of the women sitting next to him playing castanets. She wasn't dancing, just adding the wonderful percussive background of castanets to his playing. The entire group included, in addition to Paco Pena, two other guitarists, two singers, three dancers (one male and two female), and a cajon player.

Whether your taste in flamenco, like mine, runs more to the traditional or more to modern fusion influenced by jazz, my advice is if you have an opportunity to see Paco Pena in performance, take it. He was great.

Cheers,

Bill

_____________________________

And the end of the fight is a tombstone white,
With the name of the late deceased,
And the epitaph drear, "A fool lies here,
Who tried to hustle the East."

--Rudyard Kipling

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 14 2011 13:20:04

Kate

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: Living in Granada, Andalucía

RE: Paco Pena's Superb Performance i... (in reply to BarkellWH)

Lovely review Bill. I have seen him with his group doing that exact thing with the castanets, stunning and so seductive. Perhaps the reason that Paco Peña remains so traditional is that he left Spain to live in London and did not get caught up with the innovation/modernisation, particularly of guitar. I love the fact his shows are like juergas, with the focus as much on the dancers and singers as on the guitar.

The flamenco cajon is 30 years old this year ! It probably got introduced just before Paco left Spain for London in the 80's. Not sure about exact dates.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 14 2011 15:56:14

dartemo1

Posts: 76
Joined: Apr. 21 2010

RE: Paco Pena's Superb Performance i... (in reply to BarkellWH)

Grand finale. Filmed after the show, both singers were simply superb!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2011 1:35:19

RTC

Posts: 667
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: DFW Area, Texas

RE: Paco Pena's Superb Performance i... (in reply to BarkellWH)

Great review, wish he would of taken a side trip to Dallas!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2011 1:52:53

lsnyman

Posts: 120
Joined: Feb. 6 2009

RE: Paco Pena's Superb Performance i... (in reply to BarkellWH)

RTC - we tried to convince him to take a side trip to at least perform a solo concert in Dallas. Unfortunately the schedule was tight and too little time to arrange something that would make it worthwhile
We are definitely going to arrange something for his next visit. Let me know if you want to help. Dallas needs more culture.
Even if we can only get him and Chaparro to perform that would be ok.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 19 2011 2:21:36

Paul Magnussen

Posts: 1805
Joined: Nov. 8 2010
From: London (living in the Bay Area)

RE: Paco Pena's Superb Performance i... (in reply to lsnyman)

quote:

Even if we can only get him and Chaparro to perform that would be ok.

Personally, I would go to a concert of the two them like a shot. El Chaparro is an excellent singer, although not flashy like El Pele.

But such concerts would appeal principally to aficionados rather than than the public, which likes pretty girls stamping their feet. So in the current economic climate I doubt whether they'd be economically feasible.

On Wednesday my wife and I went to see the brilliant Swedish folk group Väsen. The venue was barely half full, where five years before it had been packed. It made me a trifle depressed, in spite of the wonderful music.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 19 2011 17:26:12

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: Paco Pena's Superb Performance i... (in reply to dartemo1)

Quite amazing for me to see him with white hair now!

I always remember this young Spanish guy with jet black hair who was just bursting with energy and enthusiasm and trying to make his name in Flamenco guitar and giving me some good advice on going to Spain.

I must have been 19 or so at the time.

Ah how time flies!

Still one of my very favourite players.

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 19 2011 18:29:26

RTC

Posts: 667
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: DFW Area, Texas

RE: Paco Pena's Superb Performance i... (in reply to BarkellWH)

I have heard some comments like the one that Paul has made.
Here in the Dallas-Forth Worth (DFW) are some wonderfull venues for such a performace. I know a few people that perform such as Miguel Antonio, that can provide some input. If you need some assistance do not hesitate in contacting me.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 19 2011 18:34:52

Paul Magnussen

Posts: 1805
Joined: Nov. 8 2010
From: London (living in the Bay Area)

RE: Paco Pena's Superb Performance i... (in reply to RTC)

quote:

I know a few people that perform such as Miguel Antonio

I remember Miguel, he came to Paco's Festival in Córdoba. He was a good guitarist. Give him my regards when you see him.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 20 2011 16:37:14

lsnyman

Posts: 120
Joined: Feb. 6 2009

RE: Paco Pena's Superb Performance i... (in reply to BarkellWH)

It is indeed myself an Miguel Antonio that are looking at putting something on.
Yes the economy sucks, but it will get better. Miguel lost his regular gig as the place closed. Hopefully we can open some other avenues.
One of the things we are trying to promote right now is having a Flamenco Guitar Workshop and mini-concert at the end of April. Meant as an introduction to guitarists and people who are curious about Flamenco Guitar and the techniques.
RTC if you can help at all let us know.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 21 2011 19:46:36