I was asked to play an all-Spanish recital in Burgos, Spain. Over the years, this repertoire has kept me close company. But one-and-a-half hours of it? I must admit that I had to pull all stops to find my usual eagerness when tackling a new program, and move away from that dangerous “another Triana?” kind of approach... Concentrating especially on “atmosphere”, imagining the fragrant and sensuous nocturnal warmth, the dark moods and the lingering resonance of guitar playing (here I’m thinking of de Falla’s greatest solo work, Fantasia Bætica filled with the sound of guitars) and subtly enjoying the hint of crisp rhythms, transformed the ocasion into a discovery to me! Once the recital was over, following a decision made on the spur of the moment, it was nice to be able to drive for only a few hours and spend some peaceful days at home, in the south of France. Only in Europe can this be possible: we Brazilians or Australians for instance, are not so lucky! And a very warm June it turned out to be!

Around the same time, plans to record a CD of Spanish music materialized. Having recently come across a few ‘jewels’ by Turina; I will spend some of the Summer deciding on the ideal mixture of beauty, appeal and novelty.

I promise to let you know when it’s “in the can”!


PS: Any of you remember “Spanish Soul”, a black disc done by EMI? It followed “Brazilian Soul”, my 1st ever album! It seems so long ago, almost another life!