On Saturday, August 15 at 7:30 PM, Casa Flamenca’s “Flamenco de la Tierra,” came to Phoenix Center for the Arts for an evening of world-class flamenco. Two featured guest artists, dancer Rafael Campallo and singer Diego Amador Jr. joined Albuquerque-based dancer and founder of Casa Flamenca Carmen Montes and her husband, Cadiz-born guitarist Juani de la Isla. They delivered a powerful performance that tapped into the palpable sense of community, connection, and energy that is distinctly flamenco.
The show began with a tounge-in-cheek Tangos in which Campallo and Montes staged a dramatized competition for access to a single chair. Feigning politeness, each encouraged the other to dance so they could relax in the chair, eventually coming together to end the piece with a flourish. The staging revealed a theatrical nature and playfulness in Campallo and Montes while highlighting their individual styles. Montes closed the first act with her solo, Soleares. Somberly dressed in black, Montes explored the emotional depth of the slow rhythm while manipulating a mantón de Manila—a large fringed shawl—around her body. Building to a percussive climax, the piece upheld the power and presence of traditional flamenco.
Opening the second act was a dynamic bulerías in which the four artists began rapping on a table with their knuckles, building into a thirteen minute musical piece that I hoped would go on forever. Amador Jr. and Isla demonstrated musical excellence and mastery as they followed each others’ lead in fantastic flamenco fashion, creating a sense of connection that reminded anyone who has experienced a flamenco fiesta in Spain that flamenco is a way of life. The music filled the theater with glowing energy; holding everyone present rapt in the moment of their creation—a magically immersive realm of sound and rhythm.
Following Bulerías, was Isla’s guitar solo, a cover of Paco de Lucia and John McLaughlin’s iconic composition, “Spain.” Filled with personal interpretation and style, the selection added familiarity and accessibility, drawing on an emblematic work by some of the most recognized guitarists of the 20th century.
The closing number featuring Campallo’s solo, Alegrias, was a highlight of the show. His youthful interpretation of flamenco makes him appear to float over the stage, executing percussive musical footwork punctuated by whip-like accents while a playfully roguish smile simmered under the surface. His subtle hip movements contrasted the sharp footwork and enhanced the musical soundscape provided by Isla and Amador. Campallo, (1974) began studying flamenco at age 11 with José Galván and later with Manolo Marín in Seville, Spain. By age 16 Campallo was touring internationally and has performed in the companies directed by Maria Pagés, Mario Maya, Rafaela Carrasco, and José Antonio. He has collaborated with Vicente Amigo and many other notable guitarists and singers.
Guitarist Juani de la Isla hails from Cadíz in the south of Spain. He draws on the distinct style emblematic of Morón de la Frontera and also trained with Manolo Sanlúcar, resulting in a unique and robust sound that supports and interacts with the dance and vocals. Isla has accompanied iconic singers such as Jose Mercé, Rancapino, and Pansequito as well as dancers Sara Baras, Manuela Carrasco, and Javier Barón. He has participated in the recording of over 300 flamenco albums across the scope of his career. Isla provided a powerful musical foundation, weaving across accompaniment of dance and vocals while simultaneously shining as an artist.
The presence of guest singer and multi-insturmentalist Diego Amador Jr. (1993) was a rare gift to Arizona stages. Flamenco has a strong presence in the United States, but it is rare to hear singers of his caliber outside of Spain. Son of renowned flamenco pianist and singer, Diego Amador, Amador Jr. was born in Seville’s 3000 Viviendas and grew up in the surrounded by iconic flamenco artists of our era.With a voice steeped simultaneously in flamenco tradition and musical modernity, Amador Jr. draws on familiar flamenco song forms and navigates expertly between whisper softness and flamenco metal. Furthering his charisma on stage was the friendly dynamic he shared with fellow artists. His easy smile and supportive candor added a layer of genuine camaraderie that is difficult to fake. He has worked with flamenco icons such as Rafael Riqueni, Tomatito, la Susi, Joaquin Cortez, José Maya, and others.
Inspiracion Flamenca 