For the release of their newest CD “Tantas Cosas,” Las Guitarras de Espana produced a show filled of moments of such sorrow and moments of such joy. It was a clear experimentation of the boundaries of flamenco while staying true to its heart. The music is perfect for listening to while sipping on good red wine especially in the sophisticated ambiance of Mayne Stage in Rogers Park. And even though Guitarras is heavy on the singing, you don’t have to understand Spanish to enjoy the music and melodies.
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Las Guitarras de España
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Mayne Stage
Chicago, IL
June 4, 2011
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The highlights of the night included singer Patricia Ortega and flamenco dancer Wendy Clinard who often recreated the “tablao” experience. A tablao is where, traditionally, flamencos (including dancers, guitarists and singers) would gather around a table at their local bar and drink and sing all night long.
The band is comprised of numerous excellent musicians who span a very wide instrumentation, including a string section, brass section, percussion section, back-up singers, and of course the rock band rhythm section. Unfortunately, some of the softer string instruments unavoidably get lost in the mix, but they shine nicely in softer songs.
Their new sound gives me mixed feelings. On the one hand, Patricia Ortega is natural, beautiful, and sings with the enticing pain and conviction of a seasoned Flamenco singer while her voice is different and true to herself. It is soft, thin, and clear as opposed to the stereotypical “Gypsy Kings” kind of raspyness. Ortega is really able to lead the group well. It is so natural the way they communicate with each other, you can tell these players have been through a lot together.
In terms of their songs, the span of their new compositions sometimes drift away from the strength of their vision with periodic Samba rhythms, catchy Motown tunes, or instrumental fiddle ditties. Although they execute these things very well, and Ortega’s voice thinly threads these songs into the rest of their repertoire, I’m not sure if the heightened listener would be convinced.
Their heavy emphasis on Cante also leaves much to be wanted from their obviously talented instrumentals. The moments that worked the most for me were catchy melodies, very well-infused James Bond-style influences, their cover of a Selena tune and also a powerful percussion section that was able to shine like they were native Spaniards. For example, one Buleria (a 12 count form) was so primal and minimal. They took out the noise and texture of their instrumentation and left the percussion, bass, cello, and a call and response kind of singing. Catarina Van Epps played so beautifully on cello. It really was able to cut through, and its sound was an unexpected texture in sharp tough rain-drop sound of the percussion section. That number made it obvious that their Flamenco songs are their strongest.
The second band Dientes De Caramello created something that I haven’t heard too much before, and they call themselves Flamenco Indie Rock. It was a kind of 80s influenced, Phil Collins-esque vibe with the pure and belting Flamenco male voice of Alfonso Cid. While some of their songs landed on the karaoke side, there was also something inexplicably modern and nostalgic about their set. Perhaps their modern Coldplay style guitar vamps and pop melodies were a bit unexpected with Cid’s mature voice. Unexpected is good. They kept me on my toes.
Also, there was a short excerpt of the group “Ensemble of Ragas” that temporarily dominated the stage with Saraswathi playing the Veena. The veena is a plucked instrument similar to the sitar, but with a warmer, deeper, and voice like tone as if an electric guitar had gained a few pounds or something. I’m not really qualified to tell you what the technical differences are, but it had a low-end like a sitar mixed with an electric bass. It was truly an inspiring instrument, and of course, Saraswathi playing it was no less inspiring. Carlo Basile of Las Guitarras, and Martin Metzger accompanied the Saraswathi and Dhananjay Kunte on Tabla. Unfortunately, their set was far too short.
Las Guitarras seems to still be exploring rather than confidently expressing a single vision, but it seems that their process of exploring and experimenting looks like a lot of fun! Despite not having fully ripened, they have managed to create songs that are quite mature and engaging, and their show is and has been an amazing musical experience. Overall, the night was a special night that I was happy to be a part of. I look forward to seeing and hearing what will come of it from here.
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