SEVILLE'S BIENAL DE FLAMENCO 2002. 'ALQUIMIA'

Music for a long life

Silvia Calado Olivo. Seville, September 18th, 2002
Photos: Javier Hurtado

'Alquimia'. Solo guitarist and musical director: José Antonio Rodríguez. Secon guitar: Juan María Real. Cante: Rafael de Utrera. Bass, cello and keyboard: Ángel Morilla. Percussion: Agustín Henke, Antonio Coronel. Teatro Alameda. Seville, September 18th, 2002. 12 midnight

"And so it was, upon learning of the possibility of obtaining a liquid able to prolong my existence for many years, I decided to devote myself, heart and soul, to finding it" (Paulo Coelho, 'El Alquimista').

José Antonio Rodríguez also plays the part of alchemist. The guitarist from Córdoba searches for "the very essence of the music" in order to achieve pleasure, and perhaps discover the elixir of longevity along the way. Sharing his philosophical centerpiece and also easing the pain of the "mutilation" suffered by his work commissioned by the Compañía Andaluza de Danza for 'La Leyenda' (read review) - a work which has only managed to advance twenty minutes so far - he took on the Teatro Alameda full force around midnight.

José Antonio Rodríguez

The alchemist brought along some friends in order to provide "the sounds and instruments of our era". A keyboard, a cello, a bass (an instrumental trio at the hands of a one-man band), tambourine, cajón, djembé...and a second guitar as well as cante. He was going to adapt his ideas to this group which he referred to as "well-balanced", premiering some new pieces which have been coming together in the studio with these musicians. José Antonio Rodríguez proves himself in this facet as talented composer, with a head on his shoulders but not brainy, dynamic and full of freshness. He stirs, he gets you hooked, holds your interest, surprises...and without even trying, gives lessons on how to create well-rounded pieces that have a beginning, a recurring theme, high points and flat areas, a well-measured thread. Nothing is upsetting or tiresome. The modest percussion respects his silences, while the keyboard keeps to the ambience, the second guitar stays grounded, the cante....cante. Rafael de Utrera offers bits of slow-burning throaty song, seeking out 'María la Portuguesa'. Soleá, jaleos...landscape...bulerías, rumba...

The alchemist also needs his moments of solitude. He turns into himself and brings out intimate sounds, pulled in at the same time as shared. Dead-on, flowing, entangling, a touch of rock sound. The taranta, cavernous, the farruca, fine and precious, kudos for the zapateado. The philosophical stone oozing life...and a standing ovation from Tomate.

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