Maritel Centurion, Carmen Romero,
and José Luis Pérez understand the natural laws extending a traditional form of
musical expression: as being the next chapter in fusing the story that is Flamenco
to the world. A small company of performers
gathered at the Prairie Exchange Theatre, in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September
21-22, 2014.
Lazos 2014 showcased what it is about incorporating other
elements alongside flamenco that makes its fusion so unique, "The workshop that we had, I would like to say was very unique, and one of a kind. I don’t think that there is anything like that being done in Canada before creating this event," shared Maritel. "Including the aesthetics…its communication, its dialogue, and how tightly interwoven they can become alongside with the musicians. It demonstrates that many rules of flamenco; are universal as well."
Centurion hails from Argentina. Her career as a flamenco performer is exhaustive. Her career teaching and relating what is flamenco continues. Employed with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School since 2001; in the RWB School Satellite program, Recreational Division, the Professional Division and the Aspirant program, is but a microcosm of her collaborative work: in relation to flamenco.
Maritel Centurion |
Centurion hails from Argentina. Her career as a flamenco performer is exhaustive. Her career teaching and relating what is flamenco continues. Employed with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School since 2001; in the RWB School Satellite program, Recreational Division, the Professional Division and the Aspirant program, is but a microcosm of her collaborative work: in relation to flamenco.
The viewing of “Kumpania” a film by Katina Dunn
and the following performances given by Romero and company were meant to give
the audience a succinct overview of the genre, “It was a very special occasion for
me,” shared Romero. “I was able to showcase the work that I have been doing with Scott Metcalfe. Working into two different genre, we were still able to communicate.”
As a Jazz piano/keyboard
accompanist and performer; Metcalfe himself understands that the natural “marriage”
of two distinctive genres is a gradual process. This particular venue however,
had a personal touch, explained Romero,“…to know that Scott’s parents were in
the audience…and knowing how pleased they were after the performance…it made me
feel really good.”
Flamenco personifies what it is
to feel. Steeped in Gypsy lore and tradition, it is foremost… a requiem for a
people who understood the meaning of perseverance. It is what traditional
flamenco performers refer to a “los
puristas”.
Lazos 2014, as other flamenco venues across Canada were not created
to supplant or re-invent what began in Spain long ago. Skepticism endures from
within as to what exactly the purpose of intermingling flamenco with other
musical genres will do.
José Luis Pérez |
“There will be always those who are adamant that flamenco remain within its boundaries. This ‘push-back’ if you will, is decreasing. Flamenco artists in Spain have garnered great international renown. It is thanks to them that the genre is so widely recognized today. Like it or not, it introduced flamenco to other forms of music. You can’t stop the evolution of an art form.”
Smiling, Pérez is of the opinion that the question of ‘authenticity’ resides with the artist himself.
“…structure, form, the basics (voice, dance, and sound) of flamenco is immutable. It will always be the quorum…the essence of the genre. No one who identifies themselves as a "bailaor" ever would deviate from this truth. However, its expression is left to interpretation. Will others judge you? Certainly. It is imperative that we allow those who have devoted their lives work…who have taken the time to learn what flamenco is…and made it unique, an equal opportunity to explore and take their talent onto the world stage.”
Lazos 2014 gave Romero, and Pérez a chance meeting…reuniting on the stage after a twelve year absence, “These types of venues are infrequent. Not everyone has the ability or the means to be ‘spontaneous’. Maritel is based out of Winnipeg, Carmen is based out of Toronto, and I’m based out of Montreal. When circumstances allow, performing with Carmen and Maritel is for me, a wonderful surprise.”
The impromptu meet and greet
discussion after the performances with the audience; reiterated some of the
opinions given by Centurion, Pérez, and Romero. Accompanists Metcalfe (piano) and
Philippe Meunier (guitar) also shared their thoughts as to what their
contributive efforts amplifies in terms of flamenco. Metcalfe explained that the collaborative
works between Romero and himself at the beginning, resembled the
teacher-student relationship.
“The first time…I felt like a student in the class. It was scary (member of the audience laughing) we were enjoying it. I don’t know how much I was at the time, but I got used to it…I got better. Now it’s great and I love it. It’s a lot of fun.”
Carmen Romero |
Metcalfe’s introduction to flamenco were based on Romero’s instincts. Her intuition predicated that a partnership with this jazz virtuoso would give an additional dimension to her craft.“Scott doesn’t know a lot about flamenco, but he knows a lot about music. He has a very keen awareness; a sensibility, a sensitivity to emotion musically, visually. He plays like he feels it," explained Romero.
"What he and I create is what I describe as structural improvisation. The steps are not identical, the rhythm transforms as the interactive relationship evolves during a sequence. For instance, Scott follows my movements. Depending on what I do, Scott provides the right amount of tone. When I go high, he follows. If it’s rolling…he rolls on the keyboard. And if it’s quick, Scott is sharp on the piano.”
As the lead guitarist, Philippe Meunier shares a unique position as the
“Sometimes I’ll be singing and if I should forget a word that is supposed to come after this one...the dynamics stays the same,”
added Pérez. “As long as you don’t lose your composure; it doesn’t really
matter. The dancer that is listening to me keeps on dancing. They’re not going
to say, ‘whaaaat?’
Lazos 2014 was Centurion’s gift to the rest of us. A
chance to share and experience what flamenco can express in other forms of
music.
(left from right) José-Luis Pérez, Carmen Romero, Scott Metcalfe, and Philippe Meunier. |