Mark2 -> RE: Foro Flamenco (Nov. 17 2015 17:07:34)
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I think there is a disconnect for many of us who are removed from flamenco as it is in Spain. I remember when a guitarist showed up in San Jose, CA from Madrid many years ago. I started studying with him, and even though he didn't have as many years playing the guitar as I did, he was clearly better and more complete. After considering the matter, it made perfect sense-he simply had access to more experience, and had more support. I considered my experience in learning western music. I started studying when I was 16, took lessons from different players, played in many groups, played many styles. After going through blues, rock, fusion, jazz, r&B, funk, latin, and yes, even disco gigs, I had a pretty solid background. Then I started with flamenco-there was one teacher in the area then and I stayed with him for five years. Zero singers from Spain to learn from. Later I learned to play for dance but at that time there were still no singers from Spain in my area. I took lessons from other guitarists, transcribed stuff, etc. Studied recordings. Played for classes, eventually played in some local companies. None of that compared to simply being around a bunch of people who are involved in the music. It was an academic endeavor compared to a life style. Recently I started doing electric guitar gigs after maybe 25 years of not doing them. It was so easy-like putting on an old pair of slippers that still were broken in to my feet. And all the guys I used to play with, still there, still living the life. One of my friends, a lifelong professional musician told me 20 years ago that if I really wanted to do flamenco, I should pack up my wife and kids and move to Spain. I knew he was right-that was really the only way to really do it, but I wasn't willing to make that kind of sacrifice. I had to accept that, and I have. I wasn't interested in adopting another culture-I like my own too much. Morante, and others have made that move, and they have an insight and experience that goes way beyond what is available to those of us who have not. That he posts here is a benefit to us. I'm pretty sure if I was in his shoes, I'd have little use for this forum. After all the real deal is right outside his door. I'm in San Francisco, the source of Latin rock. I know most of the guys from the seminal Latin rock bands. I don't spend any time on Latin rock forums. Why would I? Here's some reality: That guitarist from Madrid gigged with some locals when he was here. I asked him what he thought of the level of flamenco here in California. He answered "Level? There is no level" He had a vid of a performance he did with some locals. He took it home and watched with his mom. He said they laughed hysterically. I could go on and relate other interactions with flamencos from Spain, as could many of us who have spent a great deal of time pursuing flamenco. Of course there are some who have the talent and experience to reach a higher level, but IMO that talent is left at least partially unrealized if those individuals don't make the move to the source. I'm inclined to give Morante some leeway, as he is one of the few contacts on the ground we have on the forum.
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