Nothing Nothing
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Music
Press
Flamenco 2006 off to a rousing, dynamic start
By Howard Reich
Tribune arts critic
Published January 27, 2006
With an overflow audience jamming the house and some of the world's finest folkloric musicians crowding the stage, Flamenco 2006--Chicago's annual celebration of Spanish culture--got off to an enthralling start Wednesday night.
El Payo, a first-rate Chicago ensemblbe acquitted itself quite well. It offered an unmistakably contemporary approach to flamenco. Listen past the pop-tinged melodies and sweetly accessible harmonies, and you could hear the lilt of flamenco phrasings and the surge of its dance rhythms.
Angela Ponzio and David Gonzalez emerged as a nearly ideal vocal duo, trading lines seamlessly one moment, singing in exquisite unison the next. Ponzio, especially, proved adept at the vocal embellishments that distinguish the best flamenco singers, while the husky, grainy nature of Gonzalez's tenor deftly counterbalanced Ponzio's work
- Chicago Leading Newspaper
Discography
El Payo (2005)
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Bio
El Payo is the only Rumba/Nuevo Flamenco group of its class in Chicago. Its members come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, hailing from countries such as Ecuador, Mexico, and Columbia. Their distinct sound is influenced by a rich combination of rumbas, traditional and modern Flamenco, Flamenco fused original songs, as well as a repertoire of classic Latin American songs done with a different flare. El Payo offers something for all the senses. Their dynamic, soulful sound keeps your ears at full attention while your eyes focus on the intense flamenco dance performances. The group opened up the prestigious 2005 and 2006 USA Flamenco Festival in Chicago. They have opened the stage for such internationally known artists such as Juan Carmona, Pitingo and Lila Downs. They have also appeared on ABCÂ’s Chicagoing with Bill Campell. The group is led by singer David Gonzalez, flamenco guitarist David Chiriboga, percussionist/drummer Raul Fernandez, and dancer/percussionist Edwin Suarez.
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