Jesús Mendez at Corral de la Moreria – Noches Brujas. Miguel Salado guitar

MÉNDEZ FOREVER

Cante: Jesús Méndez. Guitar: Miguel Salado

Text: Pablo San Nicasio Ramos
Photos and video: Rafael Manjavacas

My grandmother always says witches come out at night.  Maybe so.  It’s an old Castillian belief which the Corral de la Morería has adopted to attract hard-core flamenco fans in the wee hours at this legendary venue.  It’s what they’re calling “Las Noches Brujas”..

And yes.  It was also plenty warm last night, “worse than at Cleopatra’s communion” as Jesús Méndez said.  Up there on stage, alone with his guitarist, with the audience close up and those big spotlights beating down.  He was the star of the evening to inaugurate the pared-down festival Suma 2012.

It was a scene charged with symbolism, a metaphor of times past.  A young singer, with exceptional qualities and the right background.  In a tablao, offering a traditional aesthetic, with no additives.  The young man is seeking a place in a very small niche in the process of daily sifting.  And one hour to sell the goods.  Like I said, just like times past.

But Jesús Méndez knows how to swim in these waters.  It comes naturally, and of his generation he’s not one of the ones going through hard times.  Quite the contrary.

In the process of expanding his repertoire (there was an important taranta, and he was superb in the fandangos), Jesús Méndez offers vocal intensity like few others put out.  He is moving and profound, even in his gait.  In the way he deals with his profession.  He belongs both to the past and the future.

Sixty minutes and eight cantes in which there were constant references to the Méndez.  Those people who shake the foundations of San Miguel.

Great clarity and well-formed ideas, and equally good without amplification.  Expressive qualities only within reach of a few.

Outstanding in siguiriyas and bulerías, of course.  With some improvised palmas that did no harm.  Fiesta finale and everyone home at a decent hour.  The evening felt short.  Miguel Salado also had his moment in siguiriyas.

Jesús Méndez is at an important point professionally, with work and projects despite the times.  With a recording about to be released, and about to receive the blessing of the greats.  The year 2012 looks to be his, and last night we could see why.

The feeling, as mentioned, was as if everything had been too short.  Jesús could easily have sung for another hour.  He just needs to look and expand his repertoire.  It’s not far-fetched to think that starting now a tablao might, once again, be able to open the door to success.

Interview with Jesús Méndez

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