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Ricardo -> RE: "Toda una gira" Paco - documentary (Dec. 3 2014 1:46:11)
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While I won't admit it is the definitive stand alone documentary, I have to say in addition to what the other two have this complements them quite well. Both in the sense of filling in where others left off in time (1994, 2001) and some interesting details along the way, the new photos and interviews, but also some new footage. Couple things that stand out are the concert footage (of course available on youtube similar things, but quite different than what is in other documentaries), the short bits of him playing Manuel de Falla with his group (never seen that, and him improvising on it was cool), the brief tease of the sabicas jam home bootleg audio, and the general focus on sabicas which is underplayed in other docs, the "meeting of ths spirits" trio in a different concert was refreshing, and finally the real jem of the documentary was the Malagueña from the late 60's in the dinner theatre. Never seen that footage and it is amazingly inspiring, as brief as it is.
In general the quality is way more professional than the other two in terms of the still photos and audio clips and the entire way it is put together. And of course as mentioned the emotional ending and final photo montage is touching. I find the way he uses the audio clips is more intense and exciting, even rhythmic at times when coupled with the visuals, very artistic. And as mentioned the more personal interviews. I would have liked to hear more from Mclaughlin, but as it is it's very good. I noticed many aspects of his career are skipped vs the other two docs, but again, it complements the other two. The one thing I liked about "Light and Shade" vs the other two, is the chronology. I think that is very important and the other two jump around historically too much for my taste, but that is just me.
For new comers I still would recommend Light and Shade for it's concise and neat to the point style, and it hits all the main points of his career up to that point. Also that short Tesoros program that Gamboa produced is nice and chronological hitting on main career pieces, much less dialogue. Once inside the world of Paco, I would point to Rito y Geografia and of course Francisco Sanchez and finally La Busqueda to get the complete picture and go deeper. Can't wait to get it on DVD for sharp picture and audio.
About Ramon and also Paco's dad there exists a nice documentary in Spanish called "Saga de los Lucia" and the main focus is Ramon...but it is mostly done with photos with only a few low quality videos. Some video of interviews with family and friends (Enrique del Melchor, Pardo, fosforito etc), and a short bit on Paco at the end. Not so great as entertainment, but if you are into Ramon it is a must.
Ricardo
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