Alba Flamenca
★★★★☆ And clap your hands
Young Critics Scheme review
Alba Flamenca (Venue 237): Fri 2 – Sun 25 Aug 2019
Review by Layza Venancio Mirhadi
Alba Flamenca, in a tiny venue on East Crosscauseway, is Acapella at its finest with five artists making music together – whether it is by the voice, guitar or feet.
Over five different songs there is live singing from Alvaro Romero, guitar from Socrates Mastrodimos and drumming from Pedro Morote who plays the Spanish Cajon. But the life of the performance lies in flamenco dancers Maria Del Mar Suarez and Aroa Paredes.
Alba Flamenca. Pic: Saliha Haouachi
The small venue size only enhances the performance, making it more intimate and allowing you to see every single moment on stage. The minimalist staging is effective – simply five chairs, one for each performer, so everyone is on stage and seen.
There is never a dull moment even when the performers are catching their breath from the flamenco dancing or sipping water after singing. The energy is carried on throughout the whole performance by their strong stage presence which keeps you thoroughly engaged.
The flamenco dancers are extremely talented. They managed to stay in touch with the music while doing complicated fast paced steps. This had to be done correctly if not the sound being made would’ve been out of synch.
At moments your eyes would be glued to the feet work because the sound being made and the precision are just incredible. Both artists are able to move very single part of there body to the music which really makes you want to get up and attempt to move your body like them.
passion
The lead vocalist is a strong singer, whose voice reaches to the back of the room. You can see his passion through his facial expression, body language and hand gestures. The same goes for guitarist Mastrodimos and drummer Morote who both play there instruments beautifully. And Morote gets a solo at the finale where he does some flamenco dancing himself.
What is special about this performance is the way they manage to harmonise all their skills together to make the sounds. A passionate and strong performance full of energy, that you won’t regret to see!
Running time: One hour
Alba Flamenca, 74 East Crosscauseway, EH8 9HQ (Venue 237)
Friday 2 – Sunday 25 August 2019
Daily: 7.30pm. Matinees Fri – Sun: 3.30pm.
Tickets and details: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/alba-flamenca
Website: https://albaflamenca.co.uk/
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