Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Sevilla. October 22-26, 2003
First day of the fair, fine weather and lots of excitement in the capitol of Andalusia for this unique event which brings together the most important business concerns related to flamenco, with the thousands of visitors who file through the immense halls.
Some come to shop for guitars, shawls, dance shoes, recordings, cajones
and all the paraphernalia which surrounds and complements the art in all
its manifestations. Others come to sign up artists and shows or perhaps
merely to rub shoulders with big stars like Mario Maya or Farruquito in
an informal, easy-going atmosphere. But for the majority the biggest draw
are the numerous live shows presented almost continuously throughout the
day.
Fuensanta 'La Moneta'
On this first day we were treated to a magnificent cante recital by Guillermo
Cano, recent winner of two important prizes at the last Festival de Cante
de las Minas de La Unión, accompanied by the guitar of Eduardo
Rebollar, as well Juan de Juanes who shares the bill for a presentation
currently touring Andalusia commemorating the centennial of legendary
singer Pepe Marchena.
The second part of the recital brought the rich expressive voice of Tomás
de Perrate, a young man who is causing a stir wherever he performs ever
since winning the prize for “artista revelación” at
the Bienal de Flamenco in 2002, accompanied by the guitar of Antonio Moya.
Segundo Falcón
Another popular concert was that of singer Guadiana, with Jesús
del Rosario accompanying. Great voice, highly stylized melodies and a
very appreciative audience.
And of course dance had to have its moment at the fair. Word got round
that Fuensanta La Moneta, the young girl from Granada who won first prize
at La Unión, was not to be missed, and she lived up to expectations.
With Emilio Maya and Santiago Habichuela on the guitar, and Antonio Campos
singing, this young woman some are calling “the new Manuela Carrasco”
projected temperament and inspiration, sending exciting sparks with her
dark good looks and an artistic forbearance somewhat reminiscent of Carmen
Amaya whose aesthetics always tinge the flamenco dance of Granada.
For many, the icing on the cake was Diego Carrasco’s show whose
performance with his group nearly filled the convention center’s
biggest auditorium with a repertoire based on his oldies but goodies.
