I just finished a couple of concert performances in Chicago with the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater.  The shows were a tribute to Manuel de Falla and Garcia Lorca.  Sylvia Toran, a fabulous pianist, came in from Madrid to play de Falla’s “Fantasia Baetica” and it was most inspiring and spiritually uplifting to hear.

It was a treat for me to work once again with my friend,  Paco Fonta,  guitarist and singer from Jaen.  He was brilliant (he often is!) and I always learn so much when we play together.  A highlight of the shows was dancer Jose Torres’ premiere performance of his tientos entitled “Reflejos”.  Very powerful and moving.

Bueno.  I am excited about an upcoming concert with Mandragora Tango.  Pianist John Jensen will be joining us—making us a quintet—in performance of several of my favorite pieces of Astor Piazzolla.  We’ll be playing Soledad, Michelangelo 70,  Contrabajissimo and Milonga del Angel among others.  This will be on November 10th at the First Unitarian Church of Minneapolis (3400 Dupont Ave S), starting at 7:30PM.

Musicians love to play Piazzolla.  It is amazing music, incredibly passionate, original, lyrical, challenging.  Definitely challenging.  The works of a genius.