Text: Isaac Rodriguez Cante: Rancapino, Guitar: Fernando Moreno SIXTY-SOMETHING GYPSY ART Second night at the Price theater, with a program bursting with gypsy artistry through and through, and I don’t say that it in vain…to such an extent that Manolete fell through one of the side exits of the stage. We sincerely hope and expect he suffered no serious injury, for his own good and ours, because his level of talent is rare these days. And from Chiclana to Jerez, with the powerful authentic singing of Manuel Moneo, video expertly accompanied by a group of seasoned professionals who know the business of flamenco inside and out. The singers began with a round of martinete…Pepe Jiménez, Juañares and Leo Triviño…each one better than the next. And without blinking an eye, the maestros star disciples came on to dance. To the compás of bulería por soleá, Kelián Jiménez and Jesús Carmona proved they fully deserve to be alongside their tutor from Granada. At times dancing together in unison, at times doing solo bits, both showed tremendous artistry and command. And it was an impeccable preamble to receive Manolete who began his dance in an immaculate white suit, seated, majestic, solemn. After this interlude, he gave us an expansive alegrías which kept us on our toes throughout. It’s clear his sixty-something years don’t allow for jumps and whirling turns, but his hands and his steps, the body statements are so elegant they kiss our souls and allow no distraction to interfere. You don’t need to be young, and these three artists are the proof, to show that flamenco is still alive and kicking.
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