Search - Parrilla de Jerez :: Guitarra Flamenca: Parrilla de Jerez: Nostalgia

Flamenco Puro and Modern

Dr. Debra Jan Bibel | Oakland, CA USA | 07/29/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain, is the home of the deep or serious cantes, the siguiriyas and soleares, but also the festive bulerías. They are often performed with dancers. The third element is the guitar and here, too, Jerez has its own style. The family Fernández de Jerez includes some major flamenco artists--cantaors, dancers, and guitarists--and among them is Manuel Fernández Molina, whose stage name/nickname is Parrilla de Jerez. [A parrilla is a grill pan; coincidentally, his brother Juan, another guitarist, runs a splendid flamenco club and restaurant in Jerez.] In this solo album, his strong and inventive elaborations will stop you in your tracks. Although influenced by Niño Ricardo, Parrilla's style is distinctive, with a flair both classical and modern. As expected, his siguiryas are thoughtful with gravitas, but he is also at home with a romantic malagueña and a joyful tiento/tango. His high standard of technique had made him a favorite accompanist with cantaors; when alone, his rich explorations are a feast for the ears. This album, his fourth solo work, was recorded in 1998 and is well engineered. If you enjoy the guitar work of Sabicas, you will certainly appreciate this album."