Flamenco ignites passion

Students taking Music 10 had the opportunity to experience the music and dance techniques of flamenco when the Performing and Communication Arts Division presented "Kai Narezo Flamenco Quartet" on March 4 in Harbeson Hall.The quartet consisted of two musicians, one vocalist, and one flamenco dancer. Together the group gave a remarkable performance in all five flamenco songs and dances.

All the members of the quartet are familiar with flamenco, especially Antonio de Jerez. "I was born into it. My father is from Spain and my family is in music," he said.

The five songs included passionate notes, ardent vocals, and extraordinary flamenco dancing. Since the dance originated in Spain, the music and dance contains characteristics from its native land.

The music was lively and upbeat, but certainly not noise. "What people expect to see is a lot of noise, but it's not," said lead guitarist Kai Narezo.

The most beautiful song of the program was "Sevillanas," which contained the most singing and dancing. The song started with the guitar projecting most prominently, while the drums worked as a bass. While Vanessa Acosta danced with her castanets, de Jerez praised her with his singing.

"Bulerias" and "Alegrias" featured clapping by the musicians. As "Bulerias" began, all four musicians started to warm up in different ways. Acosta clapped while she chanted, "Ole!" to Narezo in encouragement, and Joey Heredia played the drums while de Jerez started to vocalize.

"Alegrias" had a similar rhythm to "Bulerias," but was more upbeat.

In this dance, Acosta primarily focused on her footwork. It was evident that she was intensely focused as she danced and de Jerez chanted, "Vanessa orale!"

"Tangos" started out calmly, but then turned into a passionate and dramatic rhythm. In this number, Acosta immediately stood up and danced gracefully as she swayed her hands. As the dance progressed, it became more elaborate.

The quartet also delighted the audience with an extra song.

"This one was actually not on the program," said Narezo. The instrument that dominated was the guitar, with the voices of the musicians serving as the chorus.

The last song of the program was "Fin de Fiesta," which means "the party ends."

For this song, they let the music have the spotlight and sing for itself.

The program justified the beauty of Flamenco and was significant for any music major.