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Phil -> The Ten Commandments (Nov. 19 2005 14:47:43)
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I ran across something I posted a long time ago. I don't know if I posted it here or somewhere else, but I think that it's interesting enough to post again. I translated it from a Spanish forum written by a very knowledgeable aficionado. I can't find the original Spanish version that I had.
Phil
The Ten Commandments to Almost be a Flamenco
by Curro del Realejo
1. Don’t accept advice or recommendations from those that think that they are the only ones that know the truth. Flamenco enters through your ears, goes to your heart and gives it a pinch so you can feel it. If it goes in one ear and out the other it would be better for you to listen to some other kind of music, maybe La Traviata will bring you to ecstasy.
2. Neither Andalucia nor anyplace nor anyone is the exclusive owner of Flamenco. Although its origins are in Lower Andalucia, it is universal and if you don’t believe that, go to to Japan and see how the Japanese dance. Will they invent “Karajote” Flamenco? (Note: Karajote is a play on the words Karaoke and the Spanish vulgarism carajote.)
3. Flamenco is not a passing fad. When the multi-nationals or the mass-media tire of supporting it (if they ever really have) we will remain the same even though there will be (Note: I don’t understand what he’s trying to say by un derribo haciendo compas).
4. Don’t pay attention to those that say that Ketama, Raimundo Amador and other groups don’t play Flamenco, we already know that. But their origin is Flamenco and if some of their fans hear some Bulerias “Pata Negra” or some Tangos “Ketameros” at their concerts and as a result become Flamenco aficionados, well that’s Flamenco’s gain.
5. Flamenco can also be as worthy as any other music. It’s not the “groan of a billy goat” like some ignorant people say. Flamenco is the music of the people who sing what they feel or are enduring and it has always denounced injustice and fought for equality and liberty. Ole!
6. Don’t fell bad because you don’t know the difference between a Solea and a Siguiruya. There’s plenty of time to learn. You learn by listening a lot. There aren’t any classes, so learn on your own.
7. Don’t listen to just one style or one singer. Flamenco is extensive and diverse. Listen to all it has to offer, then compare and choose for yourself.
8. Don’t believe in the myth of pure Flamenco. Since its beginning, Flamenco has been a melting pot of cultures and races and it will continue to be for centuries to come. Flamenco should continue to be nourished by other styles of music (Jazz, Blues, etc.) in order to continue evolving as the art that it is.
9. No feel bad if you don’t have compas, there are some that don’t have it and still sing (although few). With time and practice you can learn everything or almost everything.
10. Don’t try to convince anyone else to like Flamenco or try to explain what it does to you when you truly feel it. If they hear it and understand it, good. If not, then maybe you can find something else in common.
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