Ramirez -> RE: Paco Pena in Australia (Jun. 16 2011 23:16:03)
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Paco Pena - what's not to like!?! I think describing Paco Pena as "hopelessly outdated" really does his music an injustice. I prefer to think of his playing as timeless. And "sterile"? Well, we're talking about music, and your opinion, Doit, is of course valid - but as you admit, it is subjective. His strong technique, combined with that Gerundino, and dry 70's recordings sound anything but sterile... It's earthy, raw, powerful...but I just don't hear it as sterile... i think it's a sound that puts overly sanitised modern recordings to shame. I've recently rediscovered Paco Pena's work. If you think him sterile (and you can be bothered!) check out his first album, or anything he recorded in the 70's - he sounds like his guitar is about to burst into flames. I love his playing. Of course, he has a great respect for tradition - however he does his own thing with it. There's the myth that he only plays Nino Ricardo and Montoya falsetas. Not true - he often quotes them ( as does every other guitarist out there). However, he composed some fantastic stuff of his own. In fact, he has composed some real masterpieces - if you haven't heard these, you may want to check them out: Leyenta (petenera), Alegrias de cordoba, Mantilla Y peina (guajiras), Clara Fuente (granainas), Acera del rio (Solea), La lola - if you like Fantasia flamenca-era PDL - you'll love this stuff. And Ron, I'm not sure that it's fair to call his music a snapshot of the 50's/60's. Yes, he has a strong traditional flamenco sound ( but that's what I love about it!), but his playing evolved - just listen to the live album he released a couple of years ago. It's a solo set played live a Wigmore Hall in London - there's more modern harmonies and subtleties - he plays with an elegance and refinement that is particularly modern. But again, a strong solo set - completely unaccompanied – by a man approaching 70 is something to be admired. I heard the guy on BBC Radio 3 a couple weeks ago. he gave an interview and played a few pieces in the studio. He sounded amazing. He was articulate, deeply respectful of other flamencos, and truly loves his art. Rather than bitching on internet forums, he's devoted his life to creating some beautiful guitar music and being a humble ambassador for the art. A little more respect deserved, wouldn't you say?
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