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I thought it would be nice to share some of our 2012 flamenco highlights.
Mine is short but I am hoping there will be lots of albums, concerts, workshops that you have experienced reviewed here so I can catch up.
I have been in the UK all year but enjoying the the growing local scene here in Manchester, great workshops with Paco Peña, Glenn Sharp and Chico Pere and it's been fantastic to get to know Graham, Louis and Kevin from the Foro, in person. It's been nice to make the move from lurker to ocassional poster here, sad I was too late to meet or even chat with Ron.
Seeing Jose Merce accompanied by none other than Diego del Morao was a suprise and a treat.
I have enjoyed new albums by Estrella Morente and Paco Serrano but as usual spent much more time listening to older recordings, in particular the late great Enrique de Melchor.
spent much more time listening to older recordings, in particular the late great Enrique de Melchor.
You should also listen to his father, the late great Melchor de Marchena, if you want to learn what flamenco guitar is all about. Or should be.
There are plenty videos of Melchor on YouTube as accompanist, and a few informal clips of him playing solo in someone’s apartment.
I also have one LP of solos, which I believe is the only solo album he ever cut, though he was recorded on numerous records as accompanist. This album is worth its weight in gold, and really shows what Melchor’s playing was all about.
Favorite album that came out this year for me was Pedro Sierra's El Toque Flamenco, and the accompanying documentary was great as well.
Favorite personal flamenco experience this year was going to Spain, and maybe the Cantinas challenge 'cus it pushed me to make something up for the first time.