Better than dreams coming true....

Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sometimes dreams come true and that is a wonderful experience, but what is beyond that is when things you never dared to dream about come true as well. I've been going through that of late.

Yesterday was a prime example. We were scorched after being at the Feria de Jerez until 5AM, but we had to get up for a communion celebration that was being held at the peña. We got there and discovered that we were in the midst of a gathering of the Agujetas clan (this is a dynasty of gypsy singers that is one of the most important remaining). There were Diego, Luis, and Negro Agujetas as well as Miguel, el gitano de bronce. As soon as I got there, a guitar was shoved into my hand and from that point on it was full-on flamenco. This was the first time I had ever seen Diego other than videos. In no time I was accompanying his bulerias and then the singers just rotated. From time to time I threw in a verse or two. What was amazing was that I got away with it. It was totally accepted - who knows, it might have been enjoyed. This is where the dreams come true part comes in. All afternoon I got to play for some of the best flamenco singers alive and they were totally happy with my playing. I hadn't played for Luis in many years and previously he didn't much like to sing with me. Well, I guess I learned a bit and things are now different. In fact, I had to turn down an offer to do a paying TV show with all of them in August because we will be in California. Now does that go beyond a dream come true?

Here we all were. Hopefully the labels show.

Sometimes fiesta pix come out blurry, but the content is more important than the technology. Here is Luís, with Miguel looking on.

Then, to keep the day from being dull, we jumped in the car with Manolo, Ana, Negro, Andi and I and drove to Vejer where Negro and I sang in a concurso (singing contest).
Here we all were when we got out of the car. Right to left, Manolo, Ana, Andrea, me, and Negro (whose real name is Angél).

The streets were so narrow that had to park outside and walk in. Vejer is a walled city on top of a mountain, although there has been a lot of building outside the walls now. This part of it is the old section laid out by the Moors - narrow, eh?


Negro was terrific and I wasn't the worst by any means. I was the first to sing and the peña was packed because it was still early. My soleá and siguiriya came off very well, judging from the video and the audience response. Then I invited Andi up to the stage to dance with my alegria. She rocked them! She's been in dance deprivation because there are few opportunities for dancers here and much competition for whatever there is. (Spain is all about the singing - dance is reserved for a few little steps at parties or full-on theater productions). But we have been rehearsing and she has a lot of new things worked out. Manolo did palmas, Andi tore up the floor, and the audience went nuts.

Some days, life is very, very good......

Videos are now on YouTube - there is a link on the right side of the page for all of our 17 videos - pick the ones from Vejer..