Review: Diego el Cigala – 2011 USA Tour – Redondo Beach

Diego el Cigala - 2011 USA Tour

Many are those that perform, few are those who entertain.

Diego el Cigala is without a doubt a world class entertainer.

On October 20th, 2011, in a small concert venue in Redondo Beach, California, several hundred Flamenco enthusiast buzzed with excitement. Flamenco in Los Angeles is like a family reunion. Performers and friends who have not seen each other for many months or years catch up. The packed venue space is alive with warm hearts and memories of Flamenco’s past.

Just before the lights dimmed I noticed a heavy mist in the air. The smoke machines had filled the entire venue with just enough mist, giving the feeling of an old jazz club you would find wandering the streets of New York. The crowd begins to spontaneously clap, louder and louder, calling for the show to begin.

Walking out on stage first are the individual band members who begin to jam through the warm up set. Getting everyone moving in their seats, the jazzy improvisational music sets the tone.

Finally, what we all have been waiting for.

Diego el Cigala emerges from the far right corner of the stage to massive applause. Diego gestures to the band, sits and begins his first song. A tango and the unmistakable sound of his voice fills the air. Wearing a black suit with a red shirt, Diego has full control and the audience is seductively led through the first tango of the night.

What’s this? Two Diego’s?

Brilliant Flamenco guitarist are not to commonly found in Los Angeles and rarely do they make their way from Spain to entertain Angeleno’s. But on this night, Diego del Morao, son of Flamenco great Moraito performs what I can only say was a breathtaking solea. Instantly transitioning us from the world of Tango to the heart wrenching loneliness that is Flamenco’s solea.

Diego el Cigala masterfully brings us back to the present, having been given what can be described as an outrageously huge drink which looked to be orange soda. He picks up the glass, looks at it for a few seconds and says to us, “Que grande la Fanta!” (That is a huge Fanta). Whether a cocktail or not, Diego engaged us with humor, relieving the tension the solea gave us all.

A masterful entertainer indeed!

The exchange between Diego el Cigala and Diego del Morao continued throughout the night. First Diego el Cigala would transport us through the world of Tango’s, Boleros and Flamenco. Then Diego el Morao would snap the audience back to Spain with powerful bulerias and solea.

To put it bluntly, Diego del Morao killed it. Undeniable in his virtuosity, talent and skill. Diego del Morao may have started under the great shadow of his father Moraito, but without a doubt clearly has earned and stands firmly in his own space of Flamenco history.

Diego el Cigala emerges once again from the far right corner of the stage. This time holding a large wine glass filled with orange soda. Exclaiming “Que rica la Fanta” (This Fanta is delicious). Diego el Cigala gives the audience a sneaky grin as he enjoys his beverage. He toys with the audience, bringing levity to relieve the intensity from Diego del Morao’s buleria.

Before I know it, the last song is played and the audience cheers for more. Diego el Cigala responds to the standing ovation with “Bien Paga” from Lagrimas Negras, an instant roar from the audience to the familiar hit.

Yet another standing ovation and once again Diego el Cigala returns, this time performing a buleria to seal the evening.

Diego el Cigala exits the stage, taking with him all the love, appreciation and hopes for a quick return that each of us who hold a special place in our heart for Flamenco could give.

To say that Diego el Cigala gave a performance, would be a gross understatement. Diego el Cigala entertained! Masterfully weaving Flamenco thru Argentina, Cuba, Mexico and Spain. Undeniable brilliance!