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Patrick -> Ricardo...Portland.... and Flamenco Groupies (Oct. 29 2005 19:09:16)
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Ricardo...first off let me apologize for not posting a review of your Portland show sooner. Right after I saw you I came down with a head cold/flue bug and am just starting to see daylight.
Last Thursday, Portland Oregon and close to a thousand-flamenco enthusiasts played host to flamenco troop “Intimo”, featuring our very own forumite, Richard (Ricardo) Marlow on guitar. Guest artist was Carmela Greco, daughter of the celebrated dancer, Jose Greco. As is usual in this type of show, I would guess the first ten rows or so were filled by budding dance students trying to gain a bit of wisdom from the master. As well, I spotted a few local guitarists, but we were certainly in the minority.
Edwin Aparicio, Anna Menendez and Carmela Greco began the evening performance with a very nice Siguiriyas immediately followed by a great solo Rondena by Ricardo. I hadn’t heard Ricardo play this piece before and in my opinion was exceptional. Ricardo promised to have Todd K record it next time they get together. Are you listening Todd? Carmela, Edwin and Anna followed Richard with a Guajiras and a beautifully done Solea.
The best was yet to come as Ricardo let loose with his Buleria solo. That’s right, can you believe two guitar solos in the same show? Ricardo must have some clout! This was the same Buleria posted on Flamenco Teacher a while back. It was great to hear it live.
From the audience, I could tell Ricardo was not playing one of his usual Conde’s. My guess (which was correct), he was playing the student level Maple back and side blanca he used in the last Buleria post from Todd K. This is a true testament to the fact that it’s the player and not the guitar. I seriously doubt his performance would have been any better on one of his six thousand dollar Conde’s.
Oh, about the “Flamenco Groupie” part in my title. My daughter and I were back stage talking to Ricardo, when two very attractive young ladies tentatively approached us. It seems they had been dying to get a chance to meet Ricardo. Now if you haven’t seen Ricardo, you have to realize he’s a pretty suave looking guy. One young lady said she was brought to tears by Ricardo’s playing. Now really, I don’t think that’s such a big deal. My wife says my playing makes her eyes water all the time! Oh by the way I can safely say he was spotted leaving the auditorium by him self.
All and all a great night of flamenco. My time with Ricardo was short, but I can honestly say he is a true gentlemen and a wonderful talent.
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