Although both of them have their respective solo careers, as a result of a couple of casual encounters they decided to unite their paths. Cantaor Arcángel and guitarist José Antonio Rodríguez say that in the project F2, they share “a very similar concept of flamenco”. And that is the base of this novel common concert which, consisting of versions of “the most representative songs by each” and new creations, premieres on July 10th at the Teatro de La Axerquía in the setting of the 2010 Córdoba Guitar Festival. In this thirtieth edition of the event, the same stage will host performances by artists of the likes of Paco de Lucía, Serrat and Deep Purple, among others.

Arcángel and José Antonio Rodríguez, 'F2'

There are more and more flamenco artists who set aside individualism in order to collaborate on projects. Córdoba-born guitarist José Antonio Rodríguez and Huelva-born cantaor Arcángel are going to form a new tandem which they have named ‘F2’. The origin of this project is pure coincidence. As Rodríguez explains, “it came up last summer when Arcángel and I coincided as instructors in the seminar ‘Doñanarte’ in El Rocío”. But curiously, it wasn’t the first time that they had crossed paths: “We’d coincided in non-flamenco events, specifically, each of us separately as guest artists of singer Antonio Orozco”.

Arcángel and José Antonio Rodríguez, 'F2'

While at that course they discovered that, as the guitarist affirms, “the concept we have of flamenco is very similar, not just in the music but also in the involvement with this artform. So the idea sprang up of getting together in a concert, just like so many artists have done in other types of music”. Both thought that “it could be novel, since I don’t usually accompany live, nor does he do so with another soloist. Moreover, the audience wants to see these kinds of collaborations and simply enjoys a concert with two artists”.

The duo’s live premiere will take place on July 10th, 2010 at the Teatro de La Axerquía in Córdoba, in the setting of the 30th Guitar Festival. The repertoire of the concert - which is also to be presented at Seville’s Bienal de Flamenco on September 28th - will include “some of the most representative songs by each, which have changed and will be new versions, but there are new songs and different moments in the concert”, the musician details. The two soloists are accompanied by Chico Gallardo on second guitar, Agustín Diassera on percussion, Pedro Vinagre on bass, Los Mellis on choruses and clapping, and Mercedes de Córdoba on baile.

More flamenco at the 2010 Guitar Festival

Flamenco has a special place at the 30th Córdoba Guitar Festival. Following Paco Peña’s opening at the Mosque-Cathedral with ‘Misa flamenca’ (July 6th), performances are scheduled at the Gran Teatro by Compañía Requetedanza, directed by Javier Latorre, with the premiere of ‘El duende y el reloj’ (July 7th) and by Eva Yerbabuena Ballet Flamenco with ‘Lluvia’ (July 12th). Performing at the Teatro de La Axerquía besides F2 will be Paco de Lucía on July 24th. In addition to the shows, the festival offers a training program highlighted by Manolo Sanlúcar’s flamenco guitar seminar as well as cante and baile courses.

Arcángel and José Antonio Rodríguez, 'F2'