Alba Espert: "To say flamenco is to unite both the touch of the flamenco guitar and the singing or dancing"
-
Alba Espert Ruiz, born in Jerez, had her first guitar as a gift from Reyes, thus beginning classes at the age of eight at Manuel Lozano's “El Carbonero” school. She continued her musical studies at the Jerez Municipal School of Music for five years, where she studied this specialty. Subsequently, she continued her musical learning of flamenco soloist works with the accompaniment of cante and dance, in the academies of Jerez masters José Luis Balao, José Ignacio Franco and Manuel Lozano “El Carbonero”. She has participated in various specialization courses at the Córdoba International Guitar Festival. At present, she is studying the Higher Degree of Artistic Education, specializing in Flamenco Guitar at the Superior Conservatory of Music "Rafael Orozco" in Córdoba. She actively participates with her touch in the dissemination of flamenco art, having a Star in the Flamenco Walk of Fame of the IES Francisco Romero Vargas (Jerez) and being also an Honorary Member of the Flamenco Show “Amigos de Paco Peña” (Córdoba) and member of the Peña Flamenca "Fosforito" (Córdoba). In addition, Ella Alba has participated in various Flamenco Contests; either accompanying cantaores / as as in the Solo Guitar modality.
Where does that love for flamenco guitar come from?
I do not know it very well. When I was eight years old, I told my parents for the first time that I wanted a flamenco guitar and sign up for classes to learn, but flamenco, I don't like classical guitar. So, they bought me an initiation guitar, the one that all kids buy, in case I didn't continue with it. As I got better, they bought me another professional and handmade guitar.
What is the meaning of flamenco for you?
To say flamenco is to unite both the touch of the flamenco guitar and the singing or dancing, because they are the three specialties of flamenco in general. I decided to specialize as a guitarist. Flamenco is more than a feeling.
Of all the flamenco styles, which one do you prefer?
I couldn't tell you, I like them all. I like flamenco, but I prefer the seguiriyas more.
You are from Jerez, but you had to "emigrate" to Córdoba to continue with your "madness", flamenco guitar. How do you feel that in your hometown, the cradle of bulería, flamenco is not on the rise or valued?
Flamenco in Jerez is valued by some peñas and tobacco clubs, but there is a handicap, they do not give way to new ones, to young people who can lead the way. These could sponsor or support the new generations, since it is not always good that there are families with a monopoly on flamenco. I reiterate, the way must be made for youth.
Which artists or guitarists, if any, do you feel influenced by?
I can't choose one. In guitar, my specialty, there are so many and so good going from El Niño Miguel to Paco de Lucía. My tendency is to look for the old and the old, we are going to continue with pure flamenco without placing different or “strange” chords or accompanying a cantaor by changing the tone. I like the essence, that's how I understand flamenco.
You are waiting to participate in a musical dedicated to women in Córdoba. Tell us more about it.
It is one of the projects we have in the “Amigos de Paco Peña” Flamenco Tertulia Cultural Association, the one that welcomes me and where I practice in Córdoba while I combine it with the Superior Conservatory. We are waiting for its sponsorship, something a bit difficult in these times.
We seek vindication and that marginalization in the flamenco world of women. The entire show is flamenco, where it is approached from the toque to the cante through dancing with the exclusive participation of women.
Speaking of the role of women, is it undervalued in the world of flamenco?
In singing or dancing, the appearance of women on posters is more common. Meanwhile, in the touch, the woman is more difficult to see because she is less valued.
Have they put some kind of impediment to you because you are a woman?
There have been some impediments, although they are the least, since I surround myself with good people both in Jerez and in Córdoba. They accept me very well. I do not understand the reason for that veto, it has nothing to do with sex, but what is played, danced or sung.
You are immersed in another musical dedicated to the Arrow, what will we see in it?
This is one of the newest. It has been written this year and we are waiting for sponsorship, taking it throughout Córdoba and Cádiz. In it the life of Jesus Christ is told through the fandango of Huelva accompanied by cante and guitar, being a kind of musical. After that, saetas are sung by consecrated singers. All accompanied by the clothing of the time.
Last Saturday, August 20, you were in the Cadiz town of El Puerto de Santa María accompanying El Wilo to the gig. How was the performance the audience's reaction?
It was a very pleasant night where we had a good time with flamenco. I think the audience loved it from the first moment, since El Wilo has an excellent voice and sings quite well. The public from the beginning stood up and we ended up very satisfied.
What are your next projects in sight?
We are considering the subject of guitar and singing classes at the “Amigos de Paco Peña” Flamenco Tertulia Cultural Association, in which I will help with the guitar classes. In addition to studying the guitar career, every Monday I participate in the gatherings of the peña and some Fridays sporadically acted in other peñas.
And your next performances?
Between now and the end of the year we have some in Córdoba waiting to close dates.
Finally, where can we hear you?
If you write my name, Alba Espert Ruiz, many of my videos appear on YouTube and thus see my evolution from childhood to my last performance with El Wilo and enjoy the flamenco touch, my greatest passion. In addition to entering my website www.albaespert.es