Jesús Muñoz Flamenca Era

Do yourself a big favor and take your loved ones out for a sensational rhythmic experience intimately arranged by Jesús Muñoz. Developed in the New Flamenco style, this performance is not the tired expression of a once-forbidden folk art.

Muñoz achieves incredible balance in presenting traditional compás with audio-fresh beats. At the opening moment, when French-born guitarist Guillermo Guillén signals the family with an opening strum, the stage transforms into a timeless space.

La Chispa, the stunning and sassy Valeria Montes, opens the baile with determination and loveliness. Watching her dance, it’s difficult to imagine her moving in any other ordinary fashion. Thankfully sans castanets, she imperceptibly incorporates the fan and fringed wraps to enhance her form.

When Muñoz appears, it is evident that he has dedicated his life to Flamenco. His refreshing interpretation of this multi-layered language brings a vision of simpler times—when life was life, love was everything and family was primero. Strong and studied, he was born to dance.

The cantantes, Jose Cortes and Ismael de la Rosa, are pitch perfect with enchanting personalities to boot. The veteran Cortes, a descendant of Andalusian Gypsies, sings songs of struggle and desperation with the requisite pride and hope. He’s the real deal. De la Rosa hails from the Fernandez Gypsy family and Flamenco floods his veins. His voice takes you on a journey of spirit as you marvel at his mesmerizing, smooth transitions.

Guillén is simply amazing, and that’s why he’s a legend in the making. The supporting musicians bring a full, rich tonal quality that is off-the-charts. To perform on this level, there needs to be a common thread. Muñoz has assembled his company with extreme awareness of finding artists who have had an authentic immersion into Flamenco life. On the six-string bass is Cuban-born Yosmel Montejo, master of guitar and bandleader. His complex and sophisticated bass playing is among the best you will hear on any stage. Israel Katumba, a renowned family-dynasty Flamenco percussionist, brings his enthusiastic and youthful energy to the group.

After the intermission, Muñoz welcomes to the stage alto saxophonist Jesse Catalino Montijo who brings a hip fusion sound to the mix. Montijo, the newest company member, just arrived from Milwaukee last week for rehearsals, making his first performance with Muñoz on Friday night. His 25 years of performance experience with legends and Grammy winners is impressive preparation. Flamenco music has long been about evolution and exploration, undergoing spells of prominence and obscurity over the centuries.

As long as artists such as Muñoz feel the undeniable calling to express this ancient message of human perseverance and bring it to a new generation, Flamenco will survive. 

On assignment for ABQToDo.