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Posts: 833
Joined: Oct. 29 2006
From: Olympia, WA in the Great Pacific Northwest
David Serva Documentary
Hola,
Just wanted to bring y’all’s attention to a new documentary about David Serva which will be screened in the Bay Area next month. I only just heard that the film was done this morning, so I haven't seen it myself, but I'm willing to bet that it's good watchin'.
The personal punchline to this is that the filmmaker is an old friend of my girlfriend’s. I’ve met her a few times in the past, and at some point it was explained to me that her dad was a flamenco guitar player and that she was making a film about him. I thought “Hey, that’s cool” and didn’t think much more of it. Assuming that dad was just one of the countless Americans who went to Spain back in the 60s/70s and not anyone I would have ever heard of, I didn’t bother to ask for any details about his identity. Turns out dad is David Serva!
I was set up for a lesson with David when I was in Jerez, not knowing who he is but going on Harry's recommendation. He was in (IIRC) Plaza de los Plateros shooting the breeze with some old locals when I met up with him. It wasn't until about halfway down the walk to his house that he started talking to me in English and I realized he wasn't actually Spanish! A great player and asset to the flamenco community in Jerez, and a phenomenal teacher as well. Hope I get the chance to see this at some point.
See the audio section or click here for a David Serva falseta that I've uploaded.
I've known David for over 20 years and, although we haven't always seen eye to eye, I've never ceased to be amazed at what he can do with a guitar. No matter how much of his playing is in this film, it's not going to reflect what I've seen him do over the years, sitting around a table at his place with the guitar and a few warm-up drinks. Absolutely jaw-dropping stuff. Another thing is that he's the only guitarist (professional or amateur) whom I haven't been able to surprise with some long-forgotten gem that I've dug up in an old recording. Aside from a few exceptions, he's always had previous knowledge. Astounding artistry and confounding personality.
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