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I'm diving into flamenco in depth of the first time.
I've been exploring the different Palos and have discovered that I have a strong natural preference for Soleares and Seguiriyas. I much prefer these two palos to the more upbeat and fast tempo palos (at least of the palos that I have heard so far).
This is not surprising for me; I tend to prefer minor key, slower, and more solemn / melancholy music in general (across jazz, classical and pop). I guess that's the kind of guy that I am lol. I feel that there is great depth in these two palos and I could probably focus on these 2 alone, at least for the medium term.
Are there other Palos that have a similarly solemn / melancholy feel?
Do some flamenco guitarists focus on a limited number of Palos? Or do all good flamenco guitarists play across the spectrum of palos?
Posts: 15725
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: Preference for Soleares & Seguir... (in reply to TrickyFish)
The relatives of Soleá you will like, Caña, Polo, Bambera, Romance, Petenera (as mentioned and there is even Solea Petenera used in conjunction with Solea apola style). You can add Tientos to that list even though it is in 4 meter. However if you check Norman’s site www.canteytoque.es and go through the various classifications of both Solea and Siguiriyas, you will notice that they were historically done very fast. So basically the tempo is no excuse for turning your back to Tangos and Bulerias and many other “up beat” styles. In the end, Bulerias is literally fast Solea in many cases, same lyrics and melodic skeleton, chords, and meaning.
There are many non traditional songs where the fast tempos are used, and if that genre is what turns people off, that is understandable. Basically if you spend time on Norman’s site with the traditional styles, it is easy to draw your lines and learn to distinguish even the fast up beat songs.
RE: Preference for Soleares & Seguir... (in reply to TrickyFish)
No one mentions Serrana. Great palo. Personal favourite. If you like Seguiriya, you'll like Serrana. To me Serrana sounds like Seguiriya, but lighter, not so deep.
Posts: 15725
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: Preference for Soleares & Seguir... (in reply to devilhand)
quote:
No one mentions Serrana. Great palo. Personal favourite. If you like Seguiriya, you'll like Serrana. To me Serrana sounds like Seguiriya, but lighter, not so deep.
Yes it usually is included in the group with Caña and Polo, collectively labeled “serranía”, as if from the mountains. Liviana is also related to serrana, and really it because of the compas accompaniment of the guitar. I forgot to mention when we discussed the Ocón scores earlier, that the lamento (ayeo) that concludes the polo gitano o flamenco, was actually less like the one used in Caña today, and instead reads like the conclusion of the serrana where the melody slowly climbs up the scale on one vowel.
RE: Preference for Soleares & Seguir... (in reply to TrickyFish)
I vote for Tarantas; you can swing in and out of the melancholic, the seriously militant, and the more upbeat and positive. I am fascinated by the varieties, moods, tones, melodies and chord progressions that can apply.
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