Text: Sara Arguijo
Photos: Remedios Malvarez
Cante: David Lagos Guest dancer: Mercedes Ruiz. Cante: Melchora Ortega and Javier Peña. Dance: Dieguito de la Margara. Percussion: Perico Navarro. Guitar: Santiago Lara Series: Jueves Flamencos de Cajasol – December 10th, 2015
David Lagos, a different take on Jerez
Well, no. It turns out, Jerez is not just rhythm and bulerías. And mind you, we're not trying to tell you anything you didn't already know. Manuel Torre and Antonio Chacón were born there, and with those two, all other examples become unnecessary. But it just so happens that out of laziness and lack of knowledge, we repeat prefabricated concepts that reduce the flamenco of this place (although “reduce” may not be the best word), to rhythm and the souvenir postcard. And for this reason, we are all the more grateful to David Lagos for reminding us last Thursday that the true wealth of this city is in its variety.
“Made in Jerez” is a tribute in protest of all that which is cliché, all the singing aesthetics and trends of Jerez, through the lens of the central figure. And also recognition of the two ways of feeling and interpreting flamenco: academic, and self-taught.
The show began with a round of tonás where there was a clear contrast between the melismatic voice of Lagos himself, the freshness of Javier Peña and the racial singing of Melchora Ortega, and ended with bulerías that highlighted the juxtaposition of the sedate style of Dieguito de la Margara, and youthful Mercedes Ruiz. Sketching all the while, the true image defended by this singer who ended up at the front of the stage with fandangos.
And in between, a wide repertoire of bulerías pa escuchar, tientos, cantes de levante, soleares, seguiriyas and fandangos in which the winner of the Lámpara Minera not only showed off his sweet clear voice, and the capacity of his style, but also gave of himself heart and soul. Special mention for the guajira he sang for Ruiz. An absolutely beautful elegant piece in which the dancer's body curved finely like the melodies in Lagos' throat. A complete delicatessen seasoned with the sensitive guitar of Santiago Lara whom we wished would never stop playing.
