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Ok (and by the way I have NO idea how this background went pink, but i kind of like it!). Who was at the Gerardo Nunez concert in London last night?? Totally blown away kind of sums it up. It was amazing, I have never heard Nunez before so didn't know what to expect (although I did have in mind Ron M's glowing review from this forum and I have to say Ron you were right on!) So much energy and enthusiasm and melodies so different to anything I have heard in flamenco before, this style of playing is completely new to me. Really strong middle Eastern vibes, and Carmen Cortes' dancing was just explosive as well. The cantaor - I did not catch his name but he was from Jerez, had an astounding voice one of the best I've heard live, so much control but sounding equally at home with seguiriyas as tangos.
I literally sat open mouthed throughout the whole performance - the alzapuas just went on for ever!! That was the one time I have seen flamenco and conceded that yes it might be quite a bonus to be a male, the strength in his arms..
There was a really cheeky little number that Cortes danced to that sounded kind of seedy and jazzy no idea what the palos was - I had a quick look at the programme on the way in (but really after paying £38 for the tickets I do object) - however there were some random palos I hadn't heard of - something like 'Trafalgar'. Think there was also fandangos and definitely alegrias, oh yes his rasgueos are so fast too, totally awe inspiring.
The enthusiasm of Nunez was palpable especially during an amazing bulerias, he did not stop smiling. The cajon player was very amusing and even did a little duet with the double bass player using the bass as a cajon! It was great fun to watch. At the end when they did the little fun piece the cajon player sang with an amazing voice and yep Gerardo showed off a bit off footwork.
My boyfriend said it was the best performance he has seen - and I've dragged him to a fair few!!
He and Carmen are doing another show in London in May and I'm seriously tempted.
Now- who can recommend me some good albums to start my Gerardo collection???
RE: Gerardo Nunez last night - OMG!! (in reply to Romanza)
You'll find the seedy number - and much else - on his encuentro video. He calls it vals-flamenco, a bulerias of sorts. Did you notice him reaching for the tuning machines while flawlessly playing the really fast descending part. This is something that's mystified me before, when I watched him adjust his tuning inbetween playing the ridiculously fast picados which wind up his solea por bulerias. What is he thinking? 300mph bit coming up. Oh good, that'll give me an opportunity to take my hand off the fingerboard.