If you’re a bit worn out by all the noise and crowds of the festival city, why not take a break to visit Alba Flamenca on East Crosscauseway and enjoy some beautiful music?
Philip Adie started life in Aberdeen, perhaps not somewhere we generally associate with flamenco, but for the past 25 years he has lived in mainland Europe, first studying under flamenco master Paco Pena in Rotterdam, then moving to Seville where he works as a flamenco guitarist. Now he’s here in Edinburgh to share some tunes and tell us more about the origins and styles of this wonderful music.
El Camino de la Reina, Philip’s first piece, is in the bulerias style, orignating in the Santiago area. The tune’s complex fingering immediately showcases Philip’s impressive skills
In between the music, Philip fills us in on the history of flamenco, its origins in Andalucia, its spread across Spain, and the influences, both domestic and international, that have shaped it. These include Spain’s trade routes to the Caribbean, Philip’s Cuban-influenced composition Stone Free Guajiro conjuring up a picture of the quiet rural areas of the island.
Taranta is an example of taranto flamenco, a fandango style that began in Almeria; many of its tunes reflect the mining industry of that area. Alegrias (meaning happiness) comes from Cadiz, its lively and vibrant style reflecting a city, says Philip, that’s known as a friendly place where ‘every sentence is a joke – like Glasgow!’ (Though possibly not quite as wet…)
Philip’s alegria Cutty Sark is so named because he likes Tam O’Shanter and every bar in Spain sells Cutty Sark whisky – so whenever he performs in Spain he tells Robert Burns’ famous story of the drunken farmer and the witch caught in her nightdress. This piece has a distinctly jazzy feel.
A particularly moving piece, the sad and wistful Tango de Alanis, is a lament for the wolves who once lived in the remote Sierra Morena mountains.
Flamenco Guitar Odyssey is a great antidote to all the loud shouty people on the Mile; Philip talks us quietly through his repertoire, and is hugely appreciative of his audience. The evocative music really does transport you to Andalucia, so much so that it’s quite a shock when you emerge into the grey cloud of a Scottish afternoon. Philip’s aim is simply to play good music to appreciative listeners, and there were certainly plenty of those on Sunday.
Alba Flamenca, a dance school and flamenco venue, first opened over 20 years ago. With its adjacent restaurant tapas3, it’s the perfect setting for Philip’s music. You will feel far removed from the mayhem of the Old Town, and you’ll leave refreshed (you can even order a glass of Sangria to add to the Spanish vibe), restored and reinvigorated.
Flamenco Jazz Sketches, Philip Adie’s 2024 album, can be purchased after the show, but please note sales are strictly cash only, so bring your £15 if you’d like to buy one.
Flamenco Guitar Odyssey is at Alba Flamenca, 74 E Crosscauseway (Venue 237) at 1pm every day until 24 August.
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/flamenco-guitar-odyssey
