CULTURE
Flamenco comes from the heart, you can learn the steps but the emotion cannot be taught
09.08.09 - 18:24 -
TONY BRYANT. Discovering a love for the real flamenco.
The worlds of a drummer from South London and that of fiery Andalusian gypsies seldom collide. But that’s exactly what has happened to Tony Bryant, author of "Flamenco: An Englishman’s Passion", which has recently been updated.
Since moving to Andalucía in 1994, he has developed a deep understanding for this seductive art form which has been "preserved by the gypsies."
An unlikely candidate perhaps, but Bryant has become a leading authority on the subject by meeting some of the most famous Flamenco artists in the world, as well as countless people who have always performed it in their own homes at family gatherings.
Although such people have allowed this Englishman into the world of "real flamenco" Tony maintains it’s something that cannot be taught. "When it’s at its purest, flamenco is always spontaneous. You could be in a bar, or having a coffee, when this emotional force takes over and they can break into it. Flamenco is in their blood."
This intense out pouring means it could be about anything which deeply affects them, "It could be about his mother dying or about the most beautiful girl he’s just married," says Bryant.
Anecdotes
Through a series of personal anecdotes, Bryant lets the reader into the fascinating and largely unknown world of authentic flamenco known as Cante Jondo (deep song), "It’s Flamenco in its oldest and purest form. Unlike the Flamenco you see in hotels or cabaret bars there are no guitars or dancing, just voice. Often primitive and instinctive, this is not about melody or harmony, but about expressing what you’re feeling there and then."
Through a series of personal anecdotes, Bryant lets the reader into the fascinating and largely unknown world of authentic flamenco known as Cante Jondo (deep song), "It’s Flamenco in its oldest and purest form. Unlike the Flamenco you see in hotels or cabaret bars there are no guitars or dancing, just voice. Often primitive and instinctive, this is not about melody or harmony, but about expressing what you’re feeling there and then."
"The guitars and dancing are part of the on-going commercialisation of this ancient art to attract the tourists.You can even buy sheet music for Flamenco now, but the whole idea of rehearsing dance steps is not what Flamenco is all about."
When asked where you could go to experience the real Flamenco, Bryant says, "you’d be lucky!" Although he suggests it’s "not about the place, it’s about the people." "Look for the people and you might get lucky, especially after they’ve had a couple of whiskies."
Festivals
According to Bryant, there’s renewed interest in Flamenco, which is evident at the Festivals. "You see kids as young as five or six taking part and they love it."
According to Bryant, there’s renewed interest in Flamenco, which is evident at the Festivals. "You see kids as young as five or six taking part and they love it."
In the book, Bryant’s infectious passion takes us to this "magical, mystery-shrouded" world which, although on our doorstep, most of us have never been privileged enough to get close to. "Flamenco: An Englishman’s Passion" is your chance.
"When it’s at its purest flamenco is always spontaneous .... it’s in their blood"
