ALICANTE PROVINCIAL AUDITORIUM
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Anthony Serrano and others
Paco de Lucia’s legacy is indisputable for his contribution, vitality and influence. In flamenco music, the international guitarist and composer with his inexhaustible melodic load had a before and an after. His passion, rhythm, harmony and touch have illuminated the musical path of many. Thus, the Mejorazz concert at ADDA reminded me of De Lucía with some key pieces, among other songs.
As a cicerone, brilliant Antonio Serrano and his chromatic harmonica, with which you can play all notes and any tonality, unlike diatonic. We saw Carles Benavent, who introduced himself to electric bass flamenco after seeing him with Tino di Geraldo, here again. Paco de Lucía’s nephew, Antonio Sánchez, and guitars of similar forms, percussionist José Manuel Ruiz Motos and singer Rafael de Utrera.
Serrano’s small woodwind makes him a musical giant. The strings have the softness and capacity for burst and lunge. Benavent contributes to his unique, die-breaking sound, and Bandolero brings percussion to life without noise. De Utrera groans and sings the song “Ábreme la puerta” or “Alegría de vive” by Ray Heredia, the founder of Ketama, a beautiful melody from his only solo album “Quien no corre, volar”.
Having enriched and disseminated flamenco with his own perspective, Paco de Lucía has the concept of jazz, and his emotions, artistry and vitality are revived. This is done in this concert. And his footprint is there. “Packaging can be important. That’s how the content should be,” said De Lucia. They’re not copying it, but they’re contributing to something else.
The pirouettes of harmonica players Serrano and Sánchez are featured in the album “The Paco de Lucía project” (2018), which was recorded live together with other people who paid homage and accompanied the maestro. They perform rumba “Playa del Carmen” or “Zyriab” and what’s been called the “new flamenco” from the 80’s is a huge hit for large audiences.