Flamenco with Claudio 'El Compadre' and his group

Let us take you to Andalusia. A passionate figuration full of grace and sensuality is expecting you. Experience a show of overwhelming vitality, perfect body control and immense musicality. Various spirited dances, rhythms and arrangements will awaken your senses.

Flamenco, full of grace, pride and breathtaking charisma and the perfect interaction of the artists will fascinate you.

The group performs in flexible formation, according to their host's wishes.

Live and demo videos can be found here.

Records are available in Berlin:

And you can order them directly here.

Artists

Claudio 'El Compadre' (Guitar and Vocals)

Claudio has developed into a popular guitar player through years of cooperation with many different dancers, but mostly because of his study visits in Malaga, Sanlucar and especially in Sevilla, Spain, where he was learning from Miguel Perez. His good sense of rhythm and sensitivity in working with the dancers and furthermore his solistic abilities (also to be found in various records and TV as well as radio appearences) are guaranteed to impress colleagues and audiences. He is the founder and leader of the group MANOS FLAMENCAS and today looks back on more than 1400 performances/concerts/shows all over the world, including not only Germany but also Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Italy, Poland and even outside of Europe in the USA, the Seychelles, Latvia, Zanzibar.

Celia Rojas 'La India' (Dance)

is born in argentinia. 

Laura 'La Canela' (Dance)

Born in spain.

'La Antonia' (Dance)

Was trained by Amparo de Triana, Manolo Marin, Carmen Cortés and Javier Cruz, her progression in dancing was influenced by Andrés Marin, La Toná and Milagros Mengibar. Besides working as a dance pedagogue and choreographer she also works on her own dance productions, such as her latest program “Estaciones de una Flamenca”. She co-operated with well known artists like Rafael de Utrera, Miguel Pèrez, Josele Heredia, Er Niño Josele and José Parrondo.

José Ramirez (Vocals & Percussion)

He was born in 1973 in Sevilla. From his early childhood on, he showed a great interest in Flamenco vocals. So he taught himself the music and vocals.

His professional career took him through a great variety of countries in Europe, America and Asia. He travelled and travels with several popular artists such as Agustin Carbonel (El Bola), the Montoya family and Elsa Rovayo (La Shica). Some famous artists took part in the production of the music video of his group “Lakaye Fusión”: Cristina Hoyos, Pablo Alfaro, Miguel Caiceo, Satu (SFDK).

Cristobal (Guitar)

He is playing classical and jazz guitar for many years now. He learned to play Flamenco guitar from Claudio 'El Compadre', who trained him by letting him take part in many of his concerts, which made him an experienced accompanist and able to react spontaneously to various new situations on stage.

His skill to use his means thoughtfully, enables him to leave enough space for the other guitars and musicians to unfold. He looks back on a lot of concerts with his guitar duo Fantasia Guitars and with Claudio 'El Compadre' (MANOS FLAMENCAS).

Azusa Krist (Violin)

She has been playing in the “Corelli-Kammerorchester” for many years, also as a solo violinist (viola & violin).

She took private lessons from Claudio 'El Compadre' and thus got to know Flamenco music. Azusa Krist as well was trained trough stage experience at many of Claudio's concerts benefiting from her experiences of playing in an orchestra for many years as well as her extraordinary technical abilities, her enormous efforts and passion that she developed for this type of music.

Claudio is a big fan of hers and her violin skills, which are able to add another color to the Flamenco music, for which also other ensembles included the violin in their program. He also took her with him to places like the Lützow-Sauna, which is quite an unusual location for a Flamenco concert.

Miguel (Concert Flute)

He has played the concert flute and the bass concert flute for many years and in many different groups. He got to know Claudio 'El Compadre' at Flamenco shows and with him he worked out his possibilities of use in Flamenco appearances.

Claudio takes pleasure in the concert flute, which is apt to enrich Flamenco music, as one can see in the example of Paco de Lucia who used to include the flutist Jorge Pardo in his ensemble.

Antonio Dias 'El Portugués' (Dance)

was born in Lisbon and grew up in Germany as the son of Portuguese emigrants. He received his dance education from several Flamenco artists in Germany and Spain (e.g. Ana Maria Amahi, Eva La Yerbuena, José de Udaeta, Alicia Marqués, Juan Povillo, Manuel Betanzos, and 'La Moraima'). Antonio works as a dance teacher and also as a solo dancer in several companies.

'La Punxa' (Vocals)

is born in Spain, plays the guitar for many years now and sings especially Rumbas in several groups. She got to know Claudio 'El Compadre' at several Flamenco performances and with him worked out her possibilities of use in Flamenco appearances as substitute fill-in for José Ramirez, who – as a vocalist in high demand – can not always be available for Claudio.

Claudio enjoys her beautiful Flamenco voice, which is apt to add yet another color to the Flamenco shows.

Events (upcoming and past)

Can be seen here.

Tickets

Can be bought here.

Shop (CD / Audio)

All about the CDs can be seen here.

Live Videos

Can be seen here.

Fees / Pay of artists (for live performances)

You can book professional Flamenco artists like



  1. MANOS FLAMENCAS

  2. Claudio 'El Compadre' and his group,

  3. RAFA EL TACHUELA Y LA PASION FLAMENCA,

  4. José 'El Macareno' with his group - Soleando

for your your birthday party, company party, your gallery, your vernissage, your concert or other events.

As you can understand from the short notes above, the group Manos Flamencas differs from many other Flamenco groups by presenting also rare traditional pieces and forms of Flamenco, as noted approvingly in a newspaper review.

The group formation can be chosen freely, your wishes will be considered, especially if you choose to book Claudio and his group.

The following examples for costs do include organization fees but do not include

The here listed fee examples (net/after tax) are calculated for gigs in and near Berlin (up to 20 km) and are negotiable, e. g. if

Examples

  1. MANOS FLAMENCAS

    1. 2 guitarists, 1 singer, 2 dancers = 5 artists = 890,- €

    2. like a) but with only 1 dancer or without singer (guitarist also sings) = 4 artists = 745,- €

    3. like a) but plus 1 percussionist = 6 artists =1070,- €

    4. like a) but with 2 additional dancers = 7 artists = 1200,- €

  2. Claudio 'El Compadre' & his group:

    1. 2 dancers, 2 guitarists, 1 singer, 1 percussionist = 6 artists = 1000,- €

    2. 2 dancers, 2 guitarists (guitarist sings), 1 percussionist = 5 artists = 820,- €

    3. 2 dancers, 2 guitarists (guitarist sings) or 1 guitarist and 1 percussionist = 4 artists = 720,- €

    4. 1 dancer/singer, 1 guitarist/singer, 1 percussionist/dancer = 3 artists = 590,- €

    5. 2 dancers, 1 guitarist (sings) or 1 dancer & 1 percussionist or second guitarist = 3 artists = 565,- €

    6. Claudio 'El Compadre' (sings) and 1 dancer = 2 artists = 400,- €

    7. Claudio 'El Compadre' (sings) and 1 guitarist = 2 artists = 350,- €

    8. Claudio 'El Compadre' (sings) solo = 1 artist = 199,- €

  3. Rafa El Tachuela y la Pasion Flamenca (3 dancers, 4 musicians) = 7 artists = 1840,- €

  4. José El Macareno (Guitar) with his group Soleando: Mariano Romero (Vocals), Fernando Montserrat (Percussion) – 3 musicians from Cordoba (Andalusia Spain), incl. Flight costs = 1950,- €

Bank account:

Kontoinhaber: Klaus Neumann
Konto-Nr.: 320 220 109
BLZ.: 100 100 10 (Postbank Berlin)

Program

Program Schedule (Flamenco with Claudio 'El Compadre' & his group)

Dance:

Vocals:

Guitar:

Percussion: Tom Auffarth

Concert Flute: Miguel

Violin: Azusa Krist

Example of a possible performance schedule



Manos Flamencas with Alma y Vida (Body & Soul)

Brought to you by:

P R O G R A M
PART 1

Bulerias (Guitar Solo: Claudio 'El Compadre' and Cristobal, Palmas: Cayetana, Antonio, Cajón: Miguel)

This form of Flamenco is not easy to play because of its peculiar rhythms, including 6/8 and 12/8 signatures. Bulerias have their roots in the Soleá and because of their virtuosity and especially big room for improvisation they are very popular with Flamenco fanciers. This Buleria begins with a calm intro without rhythm (2. track from Claudio's CD Bulerias para ‘El Macareno’).



Fandangos de Huelva (dance: Cayetana and Antonio, Vocals: 'La Punxa', guitar: Claudio and Cristobal, castanets: Cayetana y Antonio)

Fandangos have their roots in Andalusian folklore, but they hardly ever miss in today's Flamenco. Almost every city in Andalusia created their own variations. The most poular Fandangos are those from the province Huelva.

(parts from the CD„Alma y Vida“: Fandangos para Nicole)



Venimos tomar una copita de vino, We come and take some glasses of wine

para que nos cantes por Huelva For our songs about Huelva

y me escuchan tus amigos And Your Friends listen to me

Venimos tomar una copita de vino, We come and take some glasses of wine

para echar la pena al aire To throw our worries aside

y emborracharme contigo And I, to get drunk with you



Rumba Dobi Doba (Vocals: Claudio & Cristobal, Guitar: Claudio & Cristobal, Flute: Miguel)

A modern Rumba with an allusion to the title Djobi Djoba by the group Gipsy Kings. Lyrics and melody have been changed by Claudio. The Rumba has lead to a partial misunderstanding of Flamenco. Because of their popularity many Flamenco musicians adapted their selves to the taste of the audience and presented whole concerts with Rumbas only. Hence, a big part of the audience thought, that this was actually Flamenco. Claudio today presents a broad variety of Flamenco forms, in which Rumba is included, but is not played exclusively.



Garrotin (Dance: Cayetana, Vocals: 'La Punxa', Claudio & Cristobal, Guitar: Claudio & Cristobal, Cajón: Claudio)

This form of dance is jolly and flirting. It is danced with hats and women sometimes wear pant suits. The 4/4 time signature and the climax into Rumba at the end of the dance contribute to its popularity.



Pregunta le a tu sombrero, tu sombrero te dira Ask your hat, your hat will tell you
la mala noche que pasó, what happened this horrible night,

cuando te busco y tu no estás When I sought you and you were not there



Buleria 'Al Alba' (Vocals: 'La Punxa', Guitar: Claudio & Cristobal)

'La Punxa' enriches the program with a romantic politically motivated Buleria, which had been banned in the time of the Franco dictatorship. Due to its deeply moving melody goose bumps are guaranteed. Even those who don't speak Spanish will feel the emotion.



Martinete / Seguiriya (Dance: Cayetana, Antonio, Vocals: Claudio, Guitar: Claudio & Cristobal)

Cayetana, Antonio and Claudio give insights in the Martinete & Seguiriya (old lament), a very old traditional Flamenco form (with roots in smithies). The Bastón which is used, originally represented the rhythm of the hammer in the smithy, before finally being integrated into the dance as a virtuous percussion instrument.



BREAK



If you happen to have enjoyed the Flamenco music you can buy Flamenco CD's, tapes, photos and posters (the original was painted with red wine, coffee, ashes and chalk by popular artist Frank Leissring) at the merchandise stand. You can also add your name to the fan list to stay informed about upcoming events with Claudio 'El Compadre'.



PART 2



Sevillanas (Dance: Antonio, Cayetana, Vocals: 'La Punxa', Guitar: Claudio & Cristobal)

Like the Fandango, the Sevillana is a joyful folk dance which is danced, sung and played on many festive occasions. The dancers generally form couples to dance the Sevillana. Rooted in the southernmost part of Andalusia the Sevillana is the only form of Flamenco danced by almost every Spaniard.



Ya me siento con amor Already I feel filled with love,
si tu miras en mis ojos. when you look into my eyes

Ya m'olvido mi mujer, Already I forget my wife,
que me engañó en mi vida who cheated on my life

Aire, con el aire aire, aire, The mood, this mood, in this mood

que todo el dia m'emborracho de cante y baile I drink all day with songs and dance

Yo me siento tan feliz con mi novia en mi casa I feel so happy with my loved one at home

no me falta ni comida, ni alegria ni amor. There I do not lack food nor joy nor love

Aire, con el aire aire, aire, The mood, this mood, in this mood

que todo el dia m'emborracho de cante y amor I drink all day with songs and dance



(Part from the title “Sevillanas” from the white tape by Claudio: „Manos Flamencas“)



Rumba Entre Dos Rios (Solo Guitar: Claudio & Cristobal, Flute: Miguel)

A modern Rumba alluding to “Entre Dos Aguas“ by Paco de Lucia. With this rather improvised title Paco de Lucia accomplished (probably surprising for even himself) an international breakthrough. „Entre Dos Aguas“ has been played for years all over the world and in many discotheques, animating people to dance, although it's only an instrumental song.



Farruca (Dance: Antonio Dias 'El Portugués', Vocals: 'La Punxa', Guitar: Claudio & Cristobal)

The Farruca originates from Northern Spain and has become a domain of male dance. Here, the dancer demonstrates his pride and his virtuous play of percussion with dancing shoes.



Antonio, dime cuando bailas tu Farruca, Antonio, tell me when you dance the Farruca

porque quiero accompañarte si tu quieres Because I would like to accompany you, if you like



(Part from title 7 „ Alegria al baile“ from the CD “Flamenco mit Claudio ‘El Compadre’”)



Tangos del Moro (Vocals: Claudio, Guitar: Claudio & Cristobal )

The song tells a story about a friend who is lovesick. He is asked, why he is burying himself in his mourning, just because his beloved one doesn't want him anymore. He remembers how nice it was and that because of that he can't seem to forget his pain. One day he got himself drunk with a keg of beer, the other day he asked himself over and over again: “Oh my god, why did I do that?”

(Part from title 1 from the CD “Alma y Vida”)



Alegrias (Dance: Antonio, Cayetana, Vocals: 'La Punxa', Guitar: Claudio & Cristobal, Cajon: Claudio)

They originate from Port Cadiz, whose inhabitants are known for their joie de vivre (“Alegria” means “happiness”). The lyrics are about the sea, seafaring, beautiful women and love.



A mi me da lo mismo que se abra la tierra I don't care, if the earth might open up
o me trage el mar. or the seas devour me

La vela de mi barca la empuja el viento The wind moves my boat with my sail
por el alto mar. to the open seas

Y me quema el fuego, da me de tu agua, And the fire burns me up, give me from the water
que tienen tus besos. Of your kisses

Hay Cañones de artilleria There are artillery canons

aunque me pongan en tu puerta, even if they place them in front of your door

hay Cañones de artilleria, There are artillery canons

no me quitaran las ganas They will not take the pleasure away
de cantarte por alegria of singing Alegrias for you



(Part from title 7 „Alegria al baile“ from the CD “Flamenco mit Claudio ‘El Compadre’”)



+++ Changes reserved +++



Cayetana de Ronda: Dance, Castanets & Palmas

Antonio Dias 'El Portugués': Dance, Castanets & Palmas

Claudio ‘El Compadre’: Guitar, Vocals, Moderation & Cajón

Cristobal: Guitar & Vocals

La Punxa': Vocals & Cajón



If you happen to have enjoyed the Flamenco music you can buy Flamenco CDs, tapes, photos and posters (the original was painted with red wine, coffee, ashes and chalk by popular artist Frank Leissring) at the merchandise stand. You can also add your name to the fan list to stay informed about upcoming events with Claudio 'El Compadre'.



The CD record by Claudio 'El Compadre' is available for 17,- € in Berlin

Contact / About

Contact information can be found here.

Links

Links to other artists can be found here.

Fotos

Can be seen here.