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PDL in LONDON- any comments?   You are logged in as Guest
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JBASHORUN

Posts: 1839
Joined: Jan. 23 2005
 

PDL in LONDON- any comments? 
Well, just got back from Paco's show in London. What can I say? I suppose it WAS good. Seeing Paco play live will ALWAYS be a good thing. But if I'm being completely honest with you (and myself) it didn't really knock my socks off this time.

Don't get me wrong, Paco's a legend. But I suspect that if I go to his next concert here, it will be because of the player he ONCE WAS rather than that he IS NOW. That said, he still played 100,000 times better tonight than I ever will. and the supporting artists did a reasonable job too.

I dunno... Maybe I'm just being fussy because he didn't play my favorite songs. He's still "Flamenco" though, let me just reiterate that. And everyone else there seemed to enjoy it very much.

So... anyone else make it down there? What did the rest of you think? Did y'all manage to go backstage and meet him in the end?







Jb

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 0:35:18
 
Ailsa

Posts: 2277
Joined: Apr. 17 2007
From: South East England

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
Wow hot off the press Bash! Who were the other artists? Sorry if thick question, but I don't recognise them all.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 0:38:46
 
Arash

Posts: 4495
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
Nice pics! Thanks for posting.
Maybe the Maestro is simply a little bit tired and also consider his age.

I wanted to go to the concert here in germany but i had to work
Lucky you!

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 0:40:20

JBASHORUN

 

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 0:55:50
 
XXX

Posts: 4400
Joined: Apr. 14 2005
 

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
I went to his concert on 11.11. in germany. But there were NO palms at all, you lucky guy!

Well the tour is called Cositas Buenas and he played mostly songs from the album. Especially the Buleriasses and Solea por Bulerias. But he mixed often with his older falsetas for example from the live album, or from La Tumbona. Sometimes he does crazy things like starting to play the Luzia tremolo in the middle of a Bulerias. In the end it is a very well structured muscially program he set up, which im sure also attracts people outside flamenco. In my eyes he will always be the greatest bridge from Flamenco to the outer world.

quote:

ORIGINAL: JBASHORUN

Oh, and you guessed it- Entre Dos Aguas as usual for his encore!



Yes, and he still is fast with the picados. By the way that is Daniel Mendez. I would LOVED to seem him, rather than Nino Josele on that concert. I think Nino had a bad day or something, he looked bored.

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 1:10:22

JBASHORUN

 

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 1:44:46
 
Stu

Posts: 2526
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
I just got back from working on this gig!
Crazy day to say the least!!
Bash I've never seen paco play before, and although I was technically working, once the gig started I practically got to watch it all. I thoroughly enjoyed the gig and the whole day, but I have to agree with all of what you said in your first post. I had put it down to the fact that I was working and not completely relaxed.
for example I had to nip out a second before the interval and stock up the green room fridges with beer and wine for the band after the show, then get back out to the auditorium for second half so as not to miss a second.

There were enough folk milling around afterwards but paco stayed in his dressing room and only saw a few people.

Inafct, Ailsa, I met someone there from Guitar course, terrible with names though and forgot. perhaps shes on the foro too.

Stu

ps. will post some pics tomorrow if they're any good. too tired now.

EDIT --pps. good pics bash. I took a few with my phone but not sure how they'll look on pc. How did you manage to get those with all those stewards buzzing around on camera patrol??
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 3:53:46
 
Ricardo

Posts: 14801
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
Sorry I was not at the show in London. I made a review of Paco's show in DC usa in jan or feb i can't remember. he was NOT at his best. I would be ready to say like you say, that I like Paco that WAS not that IS, based on THAT show. But I came across these vids on youtube, and I remember pretty clear how he played when I saw him, and THESE are much better:




I saw those and figured that he is still doing it man. I mean, he plays A LOT of concerts. So he is not the most consistant for sure, but I forgive him for what I saw in DC after I saw these vids. He can still play good for sure. Thanks for technology.

Ricardo
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 5:10:42
 
Romanza

 

Posts: 296
Joined: Oct. 24 2005
 

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
Hey there! i was at the show too, actually i thought it was awesome but then i always think of Ron Ms comment regarding how he feels about PDL these days saying that he is "too old for hero worship" and i have to admit i'm still unashamedly in that phase!
what made it good for me was that Paco and the band seemed to be enjoying themselves this time - last time he didnt seem too happy and Pirana seemed to be falling asleep at his cajons! and how amazing was it to hear La Barossa??
yeah he's getting old and some notes werent as crisp etc ect - whatever! still a legend.
could take or leave the flute and double bass though, especially that wierd synthesiser stuff, as my friend said, it sounded a bit like something out of a 70s sci-fi movie..
have to say there were so many people filming in the front rows it was so irritating - just watch the concert people!!! no sign of these camera stewards where we were sat.

ps anyone know who the second guitarist 'daniel' is??
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 11:19:49
 
Ramirez

 

Posts: 243
Joined: Apr. 16 2005
 

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
I was there last night - had a great seat in the second row.

The concert, for me at least, was nothing short of inspiring. From the moment Paco strolled out on stage, sat down and his tunning noodles turned into a majestic and masterly rendition of Camaron, I was in awe. From the mellow thumb-stroke chords and melodic tremolo passages, right through to the blistering picado and percussive rasguados - he gave a masterclass: authentic, elegant and flawlessly executed.

Can this guy still cut it?

Without question. The first half of the show - it was incredible how full and intricate the sound was, using a paired down line up - Paco dominated the stage, playing solo and with percussion and cante.

When you say you prefer the player he was to the player he is - I have to disagree! Now he is a player with over 40 years' experience to draw from. Last night, the sum of those forty years were projected out of his guitar. Paco mixed it all up - throwing falsetas in from all over the place. It was actually quite fun playing "spot the falseta"!

There seemed to be a lot of improvisation, especially during the second half, when Paco and the band had a bit of fun and enjoyed some great interplay.
Not just for chin stroking, this band actually sounded fun - passionate music - the audience and band seemed to be really getting in it - enjoying the unique atmosphere.

The only questionable part - so bad it must have been intentional - was the inclusion of Van Halen "Jump" style synth accompanyment during cancion de amor! Paco and the band, unlike me, managed to keep a straight face throughout.

Don't listen to the cynics. Paco doesn't deserve it. The fire's still there. In fact, the playing has gained a profound wisdom - it's actually quite humbling, even moving to hear. To be in the presense of greatness shouldn't be taken for granted. I just wanted to drink up every note.

Wish I could see it again tonight...

Manzmann, were you in the role of "official chair adjuster" during the interval? If so, You did a fine job.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 11:40:44
 
Romanza

 

Posts: 296
Joined: Oct. 24 2005
 

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
wow ramirez you really summed it up eloquently. like you i think paco absolutely still has it. i think he is on a whole new level now - i like your phrase 'profound wisdom' - the composition that really sums this up for me is the bulerias Antonio - i couldnt get my head round it the first few times i heard it but now it just completely blows me away, it is so so subtle and melodic but so complex - to be able to compose this sort of music let alone play it..
and the picado runs in Zyryab were astounding..
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 12:07:11
 
Florian

Posts: 9282
Joined: Jul. 14 2003
From: Adelaide/Australia

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to Ramirez) 
cheers for this guys i enjoyed reading your review and seeing the photos.

Manzmann, you worked there ? give us some details, what do you do ? work for the theatre ? if so, wow what a dream job !!

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 12:10:54
 
Arash

Posts: 4495
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to Ramirez) 
quote:

ORIGINAL: Ramirez


Don't listen to the cynics. Paco doesn't deserve it.


Come on Ramirez. Who was a cynic here?

I heard it from a lot of people that recently in some of his concerts, paco is not at his best and these people are NOT cynics.
When you get older and you play in so many concerts like paco, it is a biological fact that you can not play constantly and technically perfect in all of these concerts and it should be allowed to mention that.

I am sure that saying "Paco was not as his best" is NOT a critisism towards Paco (from non of us).

It is a mix of sadness and the certainness to know that in some years we wont see him in concerts anymore.


Paco was and is a God for all of us and he will always be the God of flamenco guitar and for me he is like a second father and i would still go to his concert even if he would fall a sleep

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 12:14:37
 
Ramirez

 

Posts: 243
Joined: Apr. 16 2005
 

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to Arash) 
quote:

Come on Ramirez. Who was a cynic here?


No - I didn't mean anyone here. There's been a bit of a trend for critics and the flamenco press (see Enrique Morente's recent rant!) to lay the boot in just because he is getting old!
quote:


It is a mix of sadness and the certainness to know that in some years we wont see him in concerts anymore.


Couldn't agree with you more...
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 12:21:07
 
Arash

Posts: 4495
Joined: Aug. 9 2006
From: Iran (living in Germany)

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to Ramirez) 
quote:

ORIGINAL: Ramirez

quote:

Come on Ramirez. Who was a cynic here?


No - I didn't mean anyone here. There's been a bit of a trend for critics and the flamenco press (see Enrique Morente's recent rant!) to lay the boot in just because he is getting old!
quote:


It is a mix of sadness and the certainness to know that in some years we wont see him in concerts anymore.


Couldn't agree with you more...


Ok, sorry, then i got you wrong.
And thanks for the nice review by the way.

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 12:23:31
 
Stu

 

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 12:47:06
 
Ron.M

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

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to Ramirez) 
quote:

From the mellow thumb-stroke chords and melodic tremolo passages


Yeah man!

He started his concert that way too in Edinburgh three years ago!

Seems like we saw the same concert!!

AND he inspirationally finished with "Entre Dos Aguas" too!

(Hey...when is he going to give the mini-rainforest a rest? They must be the most travelled plastic plants in the World! )

cheers,

Ron

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 23 2007 22:55:02
 
Stu

Posts: 2526
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to Florian) 
Hey Flo, I work for the company that is producing the whole of the London Jazz Festival, which this gig was part of. Its usually a very good jod which allows me to meet alot of jazz/world music artists, and yesterday it did become a dream job!
I almost had to pinch myself every few mins. I don't usually have heroes or get star stuck but I think I had a huge grin on my face all day!

My job role for this company is Artist Liason, which more or less means I look after the artists for the duration of the gig. Yesterday my duties involved feeding Paco and co., preparing their dressing rooms, dealing with guest lists (band's friends & family etc), making sure they have everything they need.
For instance, after his sound check, Paco asked for a plastic bag to wrap his hand in to keep it moist and warm. So there is our Maestro, Flamenco god, wandering around with an orange Sainsburys plastic bag on his hand!

Funny story... I got sent out to get some fresh coffee for Paco before he arrived but could only find instant stuff or Decaf. Phoned my boss who said "don't get decaf I'll go and get some later". I returned to the venue and when Paco arrived the first thing he asked for was a coffee... a decaf one!!! Typical!
...Maybe thats not as funny as I originally thought. had to be there etc..

The highlights of the day for me was getting a picture with paco and a signature on my Fuente y Caudal transcription book, and the Soundcheck was amazing.
There was only about three people in the auditorium and it felt like we were getting our own personal gig!!

heres a sneaky pic from the sound check I took on my phone..(sorry, poor quality)



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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 24 2007 1:40:09
 
Stu

Posts: 2526
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
And this one too, Ole! (he almost managed a smile) got a few more but pretty much the same as Jbash's, poorer quality though.



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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 24 2007 1:54:17
 
Stu

Posts: 2526
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to Stu) 
Not to rub it in but the dream job continued tonight, been looking after Roberto Fonseca of buena vista social club fame. Saw a good chunk of his gig too. ****ing awesome Pianist!! Blown away! Also supporting him were a group of young musicians called Basquiat strings very interesting stuff, three ladies with violins, a double bassist, a cellist and drums. worth checking out.
Stu
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 24 2007 2:01:32
 
Florian

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From: Adelaide/Australia

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to Stu) 
you bitch I hate you

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 24 2007 2:04:43
 
cneberg

Posts: 257
Joined: Apr. 20 2006
From: Sončno polje pri Večnosti

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to Ron.M) 
quote:

(Hey...when is he going to give the mini-rainforest a rest? They must be the most travelled plastic plants in the World! )


Ron, when is your birthday?

I think we should all get together, raise some money and buy you a mini rainforest. Because I can see you want it!

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Luka
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 24 2007 13:00:54
 
Zorro02

Posts: 151
Joined: Feb. 23 2007
 

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
I had a fantastic seat, in the second row and was really looking forward to the gig. Somehow it did not really live up to my expectations. I Prefered the 1st half of the show to the second, which may be due to my preferrence to pure flamenco. The synth and bass did nothing for me, the singing was good as was the percussion.
I was disappointed the show only lasted 90 minutes, but perhaps this the norm, I do not know!
Did anyone go in the bar overlooking the Thames? Had to take a second mortgage out to purchase two glasses of red wine, £15 WOOOWWW!!!!!!

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 24 2007 17:06:59

JBASHORUN

 

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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 24 2007 17:17:03
 
Romanza

 

Posts: 296
Joined: Oct. 24 2005
 

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
just thought i'd add my pic too!




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  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 25 2007 13:16:38
 
Stu

Posts: 2526
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
does any one know what the first tune was that he played? Think it was toque libre. Some rondena perhaps?
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 26 2007 15:43:34
 
Romanza

 

Posts: 296
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RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
It was Camaron - Rondena, he always starts with this. its off Luzia.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 26 2007 16:12:59
 
Stu

Posts: 2526
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to Romanza) 
aha! thanks Romanza
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 26 2007 19:57:41
 
Jenny

 

Posts: 97
Joined: Mar. 13 2007
From: Oxford, UK

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
We left Oxford at 4:30pm and the traffic was so bad that we missed the first half... I enjoyed the second half but from what my friends said I'd have preferred the first. (I thought the synth bit was really Vangelis/Blade Runner and it made me cringe!)

I noticed he missed a lot of notes but despite the crappy start to the evening I found it really moving and was so pleased to have seen him play - he came across much warmer than I'd thought he would too...
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 27 2007 16:08:18
 
tilsitter

 

Posts: 21
Joined: Jul. 16 2007
 

RE: PDL in LONDON- any comments? (in reply to JBASHORUN) 
How did you people like Daniel Mendez, compared to Josele?

I saw Daniel Mendez once in Berlin and he pretty much knocked me off my seat, very free, very cool. I think he is close to Diego de Morao.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Nov. 27 2007 16:29:38
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