The show was recorded at London's Royal Albert Hall in June 2002

Flamenco-world.com

'Live', the latest creation by Joaquín Cortés, has already been immortalized. The show in which the Córdoba-born bailaor faces flamenco dancing solo was recorded, under the direction of Russell Thomas, at London's Royal Albert Hall in June 2002; and it is now being released on DVD format by Sony Music Video for the enjoyment of flamenco dancing enthusiasts and fans in general. The video includes not only the entire performance, but also an unreleased interview with the artist with subtitles in English, a gallery of pictures and takes of the company "behind the scenes".

The thousands of spectators all over the world who have already enjoyed 'Live' since it premiered in Barcelona in 2001 and the many others whom the show still hasn't reached are very happy indeed. Joaquín Cortés is launching on DVD the recording of the work made in June 2002 at London's Royal Albert, under the direction of Russell Thomas, who has worked for such figures in the music world as the Icelandic singer Björk. With an impeccable production, which moreover reveals details not seen from the audience's seats, the audiovisual version has in nearly two hours both the entire show and an unreleased interview with the bailaor (with subtitles in English) in which he talks about his influences, his conception of flamenco dancing, his technique, his style... Added to that are two annexes: a photo album and takes of the company's rehearsals.

Martinete, bulerías, soleá por bulerías, alegrías, zambra, seguiriya, jaleos... The range of styles which Joaquín Cortés performs in 'Live' is broad and diverse, without any more company than the cante by Antonio Carbonell, Juan José Amador, Morenito de Illora, Juañares, La Nitra, La Tana, Montse Cortés, Felipa la del Moreno; and the music composed by Juan Parrilla, Joaquín Cortés, Jesús Bola and Diego Carrasco and performed live by Pájaro, El Negro, Morito and Fernando Favier (percussion), Juan Parrilla (flute), Ángel López (violin), Sonia Martín (viola), Marina Sorín (cello), José Garzón (bass), Montoyita and El Piripi (guitar). With this group, the bailaor -dressed by Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani and illuminated by Félix de Dios- confronts flamenco as well as other musical genres, outstanding among which are Arab music, jazz, classical music, gospel and Afro-Cuban music.

With the DVD of 'Live', Joaquín Cortés once again shows his intention to make his creation last. The bailaor has previously released the video of 'Pasión Gitana', which is currently unavailable, as well as the recordings on CD of the soundtracks from 'Soul' and 'Gipsy Passion'. Moreover, this edition manages to compensate for the meager audiovisual production of flamenco at the disposal of international enthusiasts.

magazine@flamenco-world.com