Dutch guitarists in Spain
The Netherlands is obviously cold en very un-flamenco in comparison
to Andalucía. One would not expect much more than enthousiastic
aficionados and hobyists. Some however are more than enthousiastic; those
reach a level of skill and artistic insight equivalent to lets say the
flamenco sub-top in Spain. Not that these artists think so themself, nor
does aficionao permit itself to pass judgement about this. No, recognition
comes from Spain, en we do feel somewhat proud of this. Convince yourself:
John Fillmore in Córdoba
John
Fillmore (studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory) made it into the finals
of the Concurso Nacional de Arte Flamenco de Córdoba, thanks to
his previous CD ‘Axerquía’. Passing the pre-selections and recieving
encouragements from the likes of Quique Paredes en Juan Reina, he actualy
made it to the finals, together with 6 of the original 40 participants.
Results: three performances in the US and honourable mention in aficionao.
Congratulations John!
Peter Kalb "El Periquin"
Making your own CD isn't that hard these days, you don't even have
to be very rich, and no-one will judge your music before you put it on
CD. Needless to say not all of these "foreign" (non-Spanish) productions
are of the same quality. Quality does find its way though, as did "Sonakay"
by "El Periquin", receiving a positive review in El Pais.
(translation:) A Record we received from the Netherlands, where the
flamenco scene - especialy the guitar - is significant. El Periquin shows
himself as a skilled guitarist, not a great advocate of embelishments and
somewhat conventional, but giving depth and intensity to certain forms
- like Taranta and Soleá. In some pieces he accompanies the singing
of El Roto.