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05/08/2008 Archived Article: "Two nights of genuine Cante Flamenco in Gaucin: by Francis Prieto “El Lince”"

(His full critique appeared in “Ronda Semanal”, August 2 to 8: www.rondasemanal.com)

The second night of the Festival began a half an hour late. The public consisted largely of older people and foreigners, which is normal for Gaucín, but the numerous young people who attended previous editions of the Festival were sorely missed, as was the gypsy community of the Valle. . .

The first artists of the night. . .were Antonio García Aguilar “Antonio de Tolox” and the guitarist from Benaque, Antonio Losada. The pair had to confront a cold public, who had come with the desire to hear flamenco, but seemed rebellious. . .

Next, Cristian Luque Gómez “Cristian de Moret” and his guitarrist Alberto Torres (in the foto at left) appeared on stage. Torres is becoming well-known in the flamenco circuit of Málaga --- pay attention to him and his talent! They performed Malagueñas, Soleares, Fandangos de Huelva, Alegrías y Bulerías. Cristian is only 19 years old, but performed superbly in Malagueñas and Fandangos. . .

Then came the turn of the also young singer from El Burgo, Juan Francisco Ríos Cabrillana, and his guitarist from Málaga, “Curro de María,” Juan Francisco sang Tonás. The duo surprised their audience who rewarded them generously with applause, as they performed Rondeñas, Tientos-Tangos, Seguiriyas and Fandangos. Juan Francisco then proceeded to the front of the stage, without a microphone, and won over the audience completely, and they cheered him with applause and olés.

Paco Vargas (The master ofr ceremonies) then introduced. . .one of the most popular artists, with much praise, the dancer from Seville Rafael Campillo, and his group. . .He began dancing Seguiriyas, continued with a Farruca, and ended with Alegrías mixed with Bulerías. Campillo delighted the audience, and had them in his pocket with each interpretation, above all in the Farruca, which he danced with “maestría” and “duende.”

The XII Festival Flamenco “Del Corcho – Valle de Genal” ended with the well-known singer from Triana (Sevilla) Esperanza Fernández, internationally known, with numerous prizes for her work and efforts to promote the Arte Flamenco. . . However, she sang little and failed to light up the audience. She began her short stint with Alegrías, following with . . .Seguiriyas, Tangos, Bulerías. . .