Voice: Israel Fernández. Guitar: Carlos de Jacoba and Jony Jiménez. Hotel Tres Reyes. Festival Flamenco On Fire. Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018. Full house.
Sara Arguijo
It was enough for Israel Fernández to warm up with some fandangos to make the audience exchange glances of complicity that expressed the satisfaction of realizing the recital was going to be well up to par and would fulfill the expectations generated by this interpreter, one of the most promising voices of today’s flamenco.
Thus, from the outset, the singer surprised everyone with the freshness of his sincere voice, his personal sound, his serenity and the richness with which he imbued each of the forms. Taking his time without rushing, working the tones and exploring the melodies in a thoroughly personal way. As reflected in his inspired interpretation of the tientos of the empress of gypsy singing of all time, and in the siguiriya (not so much so in the bulerías which were a bit monotonous).
One way or another, Israel is well-received because he’s a sensitive singer whose quest is credible. And although there’s a lot of “Universe Pastora” in him, as can be seen on his record, there are also influences of many other major stars you sense floating around in his head more than in his throat.
An interesting singer, original and with good taste, who was smart enough to choose the accompaniment of the rich colorful guitars of Carlos de Jacoba and Jony Jiménez.
And three cheers for the movement of a fan
Before the recital of the nocturnal series, Estrella Morente opened the evening at the Baluarte Auditorium with a recital that was disappointing, among other reasons, because of the terrible sound with way too much volume that at first even made it impossible to recognize the artist’s voice.
Nor was the singer’s voice helping, sounding hoarse and forcing her to rethink her repertoire without the torrent of sound we’ve become used to enjoying from her on other occasions.
A poor concert intended to represent her entire career, but in which the Morente we like best was not present. The one who used to surprise us with her naturalness and flair.
All in all, we’ll settle for her charisma and unwavering stage presence. That capacity of hers to trigger the most effusive cheers with the mere flip of a fan.
Video Israel Fernández
Fotos Israel Fernández
Video Estrella Morente
Photos Estrella Morente
Photos & videos: Rafael Manjavacas
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