A flamenco dynasty flourishes

November 23, 2010|Karen Campbell, Globe Correspondent

Pepe Torres’s “Homenaje’’ is intimate, no-frills flamenco at its most musical, a marriage of sophisticated rhythms and ardent lyricism. The second installment in World Music/CRASHarts’ Fall Flamenco Festival 2010, Torres’s Sunday performance featured the same musical quintet accompanying Angelita Vargas and Jairo Barrull Friday night, but their contribution here was the show’s very foundation. Torres’s rhythmically vibrant footwork fed into the texture with its own dynamic musicality. The concert’s only disappointment was the sound set-up, which marred the first show as well with too much reverb, feedback, and audible backstage chatter.

Torres opened the concert on guitar, reflecting the fact that “Homenaje’’ is a tribute to his family’s flamenco dynasty, including his great-uncle, the legendary guitarist Diego del Gastor. (“Homenaje’’ is also a centennial tribute to his grandfather, renowned Gypsy flamenco singer Joselero de Morón.) Torres’s lyrical guitar solo presented a range of timbral variations through cascading scale work and percussive, strummed flourishes. Veteran guitarist Juan del Gastor, another member of the Torres dynasty, offered a rhapsodic solo and a soulful duet with singer Luis Moneo. The concert’s other guitarists, brothers Eugenio and Paco Iglesias, beautifully anchored the ensemble numbers.

But it was Torres’s dancing that brought an extra dimension to the show. Volleys of tight, crisp taps and stomps of spectacular variety and clarity wove in and out of the percussive palmas and the soulful, melismatic vocals. Torres’s elegant, lifted style often pulled his weight upward onto his toes in tight, close footwork with small, twisting steps that popped fluidly into flicks and hitch-kicks or rippled into delicate staccato flutters. Just as quickly, he unleashed full-footed, pile-driving stomps or shuffle strides that skimmed across the stage. Sharp turns threw his body into multifaceted planes.

In one of the most joyous alegrias I’ve ever seen, the whole ensemble cut loose with a palpable sense of delight. Torres took his moves off the ground in off-kilter skips and hops, torso twisting. He paused occasionally in rakish, off-balance poses. Jazzy inflections in the hips and shoulders suggested a sassy, flirtatious joie-de-vivre, and he ended the work with a glowing, heartfelt smile. This guy knows how to have fun.

During the encores, the triple-threat Torres unveiled yet another talent as he serenaded a family member in the audience with a song. The dynasty continues.

Karen Campbell can be reached at karencampbell4@rcn.com