Review Centre: Spanish / Flamenco Entertainment

"Daniel Martinez was at The Queen’s Hall Edinburgh tonight performing his “20th Anniversary of Flamenco” concert to an enthusiastic audience who had filled the venue pretty much to capacity. Born and raised in Cordoba, Andalucia, this performer, composer and award winning guitarist started his professional flamenco studies at the age of 7. Daniel’s flamenco journey was to take him another 14 years of study at the Royal Conservatoire, and the opportunity to perform in some of the best tablaos (venues) in Cordoba. A move to Scotland has seen Danial Martinez make Edinburgh his new home, and tonight’s performance is part of an ongoing goal in life to not only keep true to the original ethos of Flamenco, but also to develop his own music and projects whilst bringing the living and breathing spirit of this art for to new audiences. This evening’s performance was split into two very distinct performances. The first half with Daniel Martinez performing solo on guitar and playing work from some of the great Flamenco guitarists who have influenced his own work over the years, including amongst others, Vicente Amigo, Paco de Lucía and Rafael Riqueni. Watching and listening to Daniel Martinez play guitar is in itself a lesson in his art, as his ability to perform the many challenging techniques that flamenco guitar requires to a very high standard is obvious, but this alone is never going to be enough, and something else has to happen for the spirit of this music to really work its magic, some connection that lets the performer become almost a conduit for the music, and Daniel Martinez has that elusive connection. The final performance of the first half “Baile por Rondena” (Dance for Rondena) was composed by Daniel Martinez and highlighted the interpretive performance skills of dancer Gabriela Pouso. It was perhaps here that we, the audience, got to get a little glimpse into the true spirit of flamenco as Daniel Martinez followed in the footsteps of Gabriela on guitar, along the way improvising his performance to match hers in rhythm, volume and expression with the two performers becoming almost one at times. This performance was a taster for a new project by Daniel Martinez and the Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company, “Andalucia”, and the full show will be performed at The Usher Hall accompanied by a Chamber Orchestra on Wednesday 8 Feb 2023. With this new show, Daniel Martinez is expanding upon his award winning “Art of Believing” work. The second half of the performance was very traditional in format featuring flamenco singing, plus of course more interpretive music and dance from Gabriela Pouso and Daniel Martinez. This show, for me, was a learning experience, a chance to find out more about how singers, dancers and guitarists individually express their own “flamenco spirit”, but also join together to create a performance that is rhythmically mesmerising whilst at the same time telling a story in performance arts. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" I can't appreciate it enough the way Guitarte creating an enchanting mood performed a mix of classic love songs, spanish and contemporary hits, instrumental classics, that resonated beautifully in our garden where aperitif took place. Thanks Miguel!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Music was good overall but a bit loud . The genre variety was awesome "

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Awesome music, plays extremely well and has some great music and tunes"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"His playing helped to create a nice and calm environment! Made dining so much more enjoyable!!! He’s also very open to request which so much fun for my family. Loved hearing him play!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Awesome sax my wife requested moon dance by van Morrison and he nailed it! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely *amazing* saxophonist! Can play virtually anything and can play it well. So fun to listen to! I would highly recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Really great music and entertainment! He came to play live music at a restaurant near us. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dr Saxy is very professional in the music sense and very good showman "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Ruud is a very charming man who plays beautiful cheerful guitar music. We, and our guests, really enjoyed his performance during our garden party. His beautiful guitar playing made our party extra special. We heartily recommend Ruud if you want to spoil your guests with beautiful live music."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dr Saxy is a great saxophonist! He is the best and you will not be disappointed booking him for your next event! He is truly one of a kind! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"1st time hearing him play. Caught my hear as i walked him. So beautiful! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They will be one of the greatest guitarists in the world of pure flamenco and South American guitar, Miguel Fernandez, with his group, and the jam session with Joe Castellano & The Soul legends, the fourth appointment of the five promotional stages that anticipate the return of the Blues & Wine Soul Festival Sicily Circuit 2011. The concert will take place tomorrow evening, 7 August, in the Hotel Villa Athena, Valley of the Temples, Agrigento. The Blues & Wine Soul Festival is a great wine and music event, created to combine the phenomenon of blues, soul and gospel music performed by internationally renowned musicians, considered the greatest voices of world music in the world, with the best wine productions Sicilians. (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just love the sax . He plays so good. And different kinds of music ?"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Dr.Saxy is an awesome, entertaining musician ! 🎷 "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: