Let's make a small difference to flamenco!

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Escribano

Posts: 6415
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

Let's make a small difference to fla...

Last year we managed to make a significant contribution towards classes for a dancer from a poor family in Granada. Now we have the opportunity to do something for his talented sister, Carmen.

We don't need much and if any of you can spare anything, you can make payments into Kate's paypal account at "kate@spanish2english.co.uk" and she will make sure that every euro goes straight to Carmen.

Here is some more information from Kate:

Carmen Giménez ‘La Pitimini’ began performing at the age of 12 years old
with the percussion workshop Taller de Compás de Almanjáyar as part of a
social project organised by the Gypsy Association ‘Anaquerando’ (‘We are
talking’ in Calo the language of the Spanish Gypsy). The music workshop
concentrated on the flamenco rhythms that the youngsters had grown up with
and Carmen took her place as the principal singer.

In 2002 Taller de Compás released the album ‘Cale Calé’ (‘Gypsy Rhythms’ in
Calo) which received excellent reviews and went on to win the Flamenco Hoy
critics award for best flamenco percussion album of that year.

In 2003, Andalamusica took members of the music workshop to perform at world
music festivals in America and Canada, including Detroit, Chicago, Madison,
Toronto and Indiana. Against the percussive backdrop Carmen thrilled the
audiences with the force of her voice and her command of the stage.

Since then Carmen continues to sing with Taller de Compás at the festivals
and peñas of Andalucia and also supporting Ojos de Brujo on their 2003 tour,
however this work is frequently done for love and there is little financial
reward.

Now after many years of singing with percussion she is now concentrating on
working with guitar in order to pursue a solo career and has been taking
classes with the flamenco singer Juan Pinilla at the flamenco academy in
Granada. These classes cost only €45 a month but it is too much for Carmen
with no work which is why we are once again asking forum members to help out
as we did last year for her brother Andrés who was given a place at Mario
Maya's school.

Kate has promised that when my house in Granada is bursting with enthusiastic flamenco guitarists Carmen will be very happy to come along and sing with us all. She is sure that Andrés will also come along and dance so we can have a real juerga.

Here is a sample of Carmen's singing:

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

Attachment (1)

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 7 2005 18:28:56

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

You guys are amazing. I had just heard from Simon that he put this appeal on the forum when a paypal message arrived to say we had raised $50, such a fast response, so thank you that's one month taken care of

Carmen is an incredible flamenco singer but has spent her life performing with a cajón and now needs desperately to master singing with guitar accompaniement. I know that she will be especially honoured that guitarists are helping her acheive this.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Escribano
Last year we managed to make a significant contribution towards classes for a dancer from a poor family in Granada.

Actually the money raised last year was more than significant, without it Andrés would have had to leave Mario Maya's school after the first month. The money was fundamental in funding four whole months with Andrés paying the final month with money he earned performing.

quote:

Kate has promised that when my house in Granada is bursting with enthusiastic flamenco guitarists Carmen will be very happy to come along and sing with us all. She is sure that Andrés will also come along and dance so we can have a real juerga.

You bet we will. Carmen will be delighted to return the favour and give everyone a taste of accompanying cante.

Mil Gracias

Kate and Carmen Gimenéz 'La Pitmini'

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 7 2005 20:31:29

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

The MP3 Simon has posted of Carmen singing is Por Fandangos and this is the one instant where she recorded with a guitar, played here by Emilio Maya. Also lets see if you can guess who is singing the chorus ?

Kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 7 2005 20:34:25

Guest

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

Good initiative Kate and Simon

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 8 2005 10:16:19

dylan

Posts: 26
Joined: Feb. 28 2005

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Kate)

Hi kate,
that's a great initiative...the girl has a very moving voice, very pure, and the fandangos is beautiful....i would love to help in some small way..if you wouldnt mind sending me your address to my email i will forward some money as i dont have a credit card..its always so nice to hear such an instinctive talent at such an early stage...i cant send much but every bit counts im sure,
best, dylan

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 11 2005 23:13:03

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to dylan)

Thanks Dylan, I'll send you a private mail.

So did you guess who was accompanying Carmen in the chorus ?

You can also hear Carmen singing on the Taller de Compás CD we made at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/taller which I believe is the only place left that still has a stock of that album. They have samples of many of the tracks.

Carmen has a real Gitana voice, wild and primitive, and she has a wondrful presence on stage. In Chicago she had the whole audience on their feet as she sang without a mike and with no accompaniement. Even more stunning as she is so young and also so small. Still if she wants to keep working she is going to have to sing with guitarists so the cante classes are very important. Thanks for your offer of help and yes you are right every little counts.

Mil Gracias
kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 12 2005 14:20:43

Jamey

Posts: 187
Joined: Jul. 7 2004
From: Winnipeg, Canada

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

The male voice sounds like Morente to me.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 12 2005 16:06:54

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Jamey)

yes well done Jamey. Sorry there's no prize

Harold was recording with Morente at the same time he was recording 'Cale Calé' with the youngsters from Taller de Compás. We had to ask his permission to use the chorus as he wrote it or at least it was his arrangement adapted from Lorca. So we asked if he would sing it on the album and he agreed. The group was in seventh heaven about that, especially Carmen.

Kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 12 2005 16:29:05

Jamey

Posts: 187
Joined: Jul. 7 2004
From: Winnipeg, Canada

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

Ha! I knew it!

I can usually pick out Morente's voice anywhere so that was sort of an easy one.

Nice to see him help out a bit. His presence alone on an album of someone trying to get started is a huge benefit. Having Morente sing on your album basically translates into instant credibility, sort of a "stamp of approval" by one of the greats.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 13 2005 16:17:24

Guest

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

Sorry but it sounds pretty disgusting that the school won't let her (despite her talents) attend the classes unless she dishes out the lousy €45.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2005 4:26:23

Escribano

Posts: 6415
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Guest)

quote:

Sorry but it sounds pretty disgusting that the school won't let her (despite her talents) attend the classes unless she dishes out the lousy €45.

Eh? I'm a bit confused. Average salaries in Andalucia are something like €12,000. €45 is about a 1/3rd of monthly accomodation rentals I know of. Whilst government grants are available for some - you think a private business should operate for free?

If it's such a lousy sum, perhaps we can find it for her without much trouble? Her next month's lesson is on me.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2005 8:24:54

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Guest)

The school is private, so no public funding or sponsorships. 45 euros is quite cheap for classes. And if they were to give classes for free the school would not survive very long and then hey no school for cante. They have to pay the teachers if they want the calibre of teachers such as Juan Pinilla. So lets just accept that the school has to charge ( why fight reality) and help Carmen pay for classes and as Simon says make a small difference.

Reading Estela's article about Niño Miguel, an incredible guitar talent who has lived as a street bum for thirty years made me realise how important it is to support Gypsy flamenco artists who need it. If only someone had helped Niño Miguel.

When we raised the money for Andrés at Mario Maya's school we needed €400 a month and we managed to raise enough for four months. So 45 euros is not a lot to ask, if every member here gave 10 euros we'd have enough to pay for a year of classes for Carmen.

Along with her brother, the youngest in the family, not yet married, she is responsible for her 85 year old father who is not in good health. Carmen's mother left her when she was four years old. Work is hard to find for young Gitanas. I remember when she was 13 she worked in a chicken packing factory all summer, I worked out her pay was about a dollar a day. 45 euros is a huge amount for this family to find, but for us it's a night out, cheap meal and taxi home.

Kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2005 11:20:22

gerundino63

Posts: 1743
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Kate)

Hi Guys and dolls!

I know it is not christmas time, but If i may incurrage you a litle, send some money over there, If you do not have a credit card, it is also possible to ask the adress from kate by email, and send it between a letter!

Peter.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 18 2005 15:13:39

sbarnard

Posts: 75
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: Marengo, IL, EE UU

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

Hi Kate-

I sent you enough to cover Carmen's first month. Anything for a fellow flamenco.

Guys, I've seen Carmen sing and I think she has the goods to make it. Get over to Paypal and lets make this happen!

Scott

[Edit] - Wow, I guess I haven't been here in a while and didn't see this thread was started a couple of months ago! OK, I'll pay for her third month!!!

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"The future ain't what it used to be." - George Carlin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2005 18:48:26

Escribano

Posts: 6415
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to sbarnard)

Kate,
I missed my payment - if you can wait a few weeks, I'll give you the cash in Granada.

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Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2005 18:55:22

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to sbarnard)

Hi Scott,

Thanks so much, remember that fab party in Maica's cave in the Albayzin when Carmen sang and we all made fools of ourselves dancing Sevillanas. What a laugh. I'm sure Carmen will remember it as well.

Carmen will be delighted is back on the singing course and we are pushing hard to get a grant for her to carry on full time. Fingers crossed.

Will we see you in Granada this summer ? I may be going to Portland Oregon for a month and thought I may pass through Chicago, as I saw a connecting flight. Dont know when yet but if it all happens ( its translation work) I'll let you know.

Saludos de Grana'

Kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2005 19:06:25

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

Hi Simon, That's fine, no worries, bring it with you and we'll take Carmen out for lunch and you can give it to her yourself. If you get your village festival organised you can invite her to sing as well, the more gigs she gets the better. I must call her and find out what is happening with the grant application. I'll keep you posted.

A big thanks to everyone who contributed to this. Its been a great help,

Kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2005 19:10:40

Patrick

Posts: 1189
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Portland, Oregon

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

quote:

I may be going to Portland Oregon for a month

Kate,

When?

The best time to be in Portland is June to early October, before the monsoon’s hit.

You better bring Emilio if you want flamenco, because very little exists here.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2005 20:41:25

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Patrick)

Hi there Pat, Was going to let you know when it was all confirmed. But it looks like it will be June/July so its a good time. Shame i cant bring Emilio so I was relying on you for my flamenco fix when I'm there

Looking forward to it. I hear some great things about Portland. I'll be staying at the bosses house, no car though have been told there is a bus nearby which will get me into town. I'll keep you posted and look forward to meeting you in person.

Kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2005 20:48:28

Patrick

Posts: 1189
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Portland, Oregon

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

Kate,

Try to make it the end of July for our first Portland Flamenco Festival. Hey, it ain't like yours, but it's better than none!

http://portlandflamencofestival.com/index.html

By the way, if you expect me to supply your flamenco fix, you better stay home! Trust me, I'm not kidding.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2005 21:42:29

sbarnard

Posts: 75
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: Marengo, IL, EE UU

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Kate)

Hey Kate!

That party was the best part of our trip - how can I forget! I don't think Carmen sang that night - there were two guys - one on guitar and the other singing that performed. We did have fun dancing sevillanas (I was pretty "borracho"!).

I saw Carmen and Taller when they came to Chicago. What a great show - everyone thought they were really good and gave them a fantastic reception. Here's a picture from that show:

Alillison put the kibosh on the trip this summer - she just got a job as a translator for the local Spanish paper here, so maybe in the fall if we save up some $$$. Let me know if you make a stop in Chicago. Ali and I would like to see you!

Scott

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

_____________________________

"The future ain't what it used to be." - George Carlin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2005 21:51:41

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to sbarnard)

HI Scott, nice pic, you may be right about Carmen not singing that night, I was also pretty borrocha, just cant imagine a fiesta when Carmen did not sing. But of course you saw one of her triumphant Chicago shows. Got some great memories there as well, particularly as I was absolutely sober most of the time, save for a pretty wild party in Toronto with Carmen Romero and her husband Miguel Bastide.

Will let you know if I get to come via Chicago. Tell Allison good luck with translation job. And maybe see you in the fall if the dollars work out. Its not good right now, not for you guys coming out here or us here being paid American dollars. Ah well c'est la vie. Being broke is a lifestyle here ;) but there's no better place to be broke.

Kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 12 2005 16:05:58

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Patrick)

Hi Pat,

Had a look at your festival but it seems to be mostly classes and lectures and almost all by American flamencos, which is great but I think I'll give it a miss. I keep warning the guys here that they will be out of work if they dont watch out, at the rate the Americans are getting into flamenco, add to that they dont need visas nor expensive flights and they ask for less money.

I think if I come to Portland I may just take a break from flamenco and listen to blue grass or something. What is the music scene like there ?

Kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 12 2005 16:11:50

Patrick

Posts: 1189
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Portland, Oregon

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

Kate,

The Portland Festival is pretty low key. The director was trying to get a grant to bring in Spanish talent, but couldn't put it together.

Portland is a big music town and very eclectic. Although it's not for me, jazz is really big here. When you get your time narrowed down, I can give you some upcoming events.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 12 2005 16:59:19

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Patrick)

Hi Pat,

Jazz is not my my thing either, prefer the blues. My flights booked now though and I will miss the flamenco festival anyway. Coming from June 6 to July 6th :) See you there

Kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 18 2005 12:45:14

Patrick

Posts: 1189
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Portland, Oregon

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

Kate,

I'll let you know what I come up with for big name (and little name) entertainment while you are here.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 18 2005 16:16:33

Patrick

Posts: 1189
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Portland, Oregon

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Escribano)

Kate,

You are in luck! Blues is really big in Portland. The biggest show all year will be held July 1-4 in downtown Portland waterfront. This is a big event that pulls some of the best talent in the country. Here's the link.

http://www.waterfrontbluesfest.com/

Here are some other sites to look into.

http://www.oregonlive.com/bluesfest/

http://www.portlandblues.com/

http://www.cascadeblues.org/index.shtml

I am sure tons of stuff will be going on when you are here. Our Friday paper lists most of what is coming up. I'll let you know.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 18 2005 16:33:26

Kate

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

RE: Let's make a small difference to... (in reply to Patrick)

Hey Pat, That's great news, especially the waterfront festival. I also would really like to see any American folk, Americana and Blue Grass. So it would be great to hear about any music that's happening. Also its really good to know I've got a friend over there.

Thanks

kate

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 18 2005 16:53:40