Neil -> RE: future of flamenco (Sep. 2 2022 16:38:35)
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Not posted in a while but just popped in and saw this thread. I have the opposite opinion regarding the likes of Rosario La Tremendita, Rocio Marquez etc. I think they are vital in keeping flamenco alive. I was at the promotional launch gig for Tercer Cielo by Marquez and Bronquio at the Mirador de Aixa in the Albaicin back in May and it was fantastic. The crowd was a mix of flamenco aficionados of all ages, and young alternative/indie types. If flamenco is going to survive it needs to crossover with other genres and draw in new fans like this. La Tremendita also attracts an eclectic audience and her live shows are great. Before the pandemic back in 2018/19, I was working with some uni students in Granada and they were all raving about Rosalia etc. But quite a few of them had been turned onto traditional flamenco because of her. There was one lad who had become a huge Camaron fan after listening to Rosalia's 'Los Angeles' and then going on his own journey of discovery. Just look at who Rosario La Tremedita is working with on her latest album: Rafael Riqueni, Dani de Moron, Jose del Tomate, Juan Requena, Yerai Cortes, Niño Josele etc. Without projects like this, many young people will never get exposed to these guitarists. We need new flamenco, urban flamenco, fusion flamenco, indie flamenco, dance flamenco, avant garde flamenco, experimental flamenco or whatever other labels they come up with. Not to replace flamenco puro, but because all these roads lead back to flamenco puro. These acts can play alongside traditional flamenco acts one week and then hit the rock/indie festival circuit the next. These new forms will play a big part in keeping the flamenco scene alive and acting as a gateway to more traditional forms for the younger generations. And it should be quite possible and acceptable to enjoy both the old and new approaches without judgement. I think the sneering from certain purist quarters does nothing to help the cause in the long run. These artists won't be to everyone's taste but let's not pretend that the flamenco puro scene would be thriving without these artists putting these projects together. Or that they are somehow responsible for killing off the artform. As Rocio Marquez said recently: "Flamenco codes are being incorporated into urban music and that brings it closer to young people." And: "Flamenco is a genre that rose from a mixture and there have always been debates and discussions, because it needs the strength of roots and tradition. I like to see it as two rails, which have to go hand in hand in order to open the way. A more traditional vision and a more experimental one, which have always coexisted."
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