Flamenco accordion player named “El Toddo Don Wong”
I
love flamenco music. My usual claim to flamenco fame, is that I have twice had dinner with flamenco guitarist legend Paco Pena.
But on Thursday night at the La Zuppa restaurant in North Vancouver, I sat in with guitarist Rod Malkin and dancer Elen Ghulam. I was walking by the restaurant on Lonsdale Avenue and decided to have a listen. The music was lovely, the space was intimate and friendly. I spoke with the restaurant operators Juan Carlos and Vicky. We talked about the restaurant and flamenco music. They introduced me to Rod and Elen, and told them I play accordion.
Rod invited me to sit in with them. I had never played with a flamenco guitarist before. But they were keen that I had shared my knowledge about attending Paco Pena's Misa Flamenco concert in Vancouver, and that I knew of Al Mozaico Flamenco's productions of “Cafe de Chinatas”. It was a big stretch for me to improvise
freely, and I gained confidence to add flourishes. It was good enough
that the dancer took to the platform. A wonderful experience musically
overall.
group since Christmas… and learning to play accompaniment and fills. I
still go into shock and panic when somebody says “Accordion Solo” – but
playing with Robert last night was very cool – lots of listening to
each other, and just taking it slow… working in some flourishes. And
they kept me playing with them! 🙂
While at the restaurant, I discovered postcards for Mozaico Flamenco – the company founded and directed by Oscar Nieto and Kasandra La China in 2002. I reviewed their show “Cafe De Chinatas” in 2006 at the Norman Rothstein Theatre and in 2006 at Edie's Hats on Granville Island. I am thrilled that “Mozaico Flamenco” is going to be perform again
in November at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. http://www.gunghaggisfatchoy.com/blog/_archives/2007/6/10/3012512.html
Flamenco Guitar with Accordion and performed in Edinburgh, Scotland
