If you’re used to your guitar heroes being plugged into amplifiers then concerts like this one may well prove to be eye-openers. Ismael de Barcelona and Thomas Monnerjahn presented a lively and dynamic introduction to Flamenco/Gypsy Jazz rhythms in a setting that is rapidly shedding its ‘hidden gem’ status with excellent musicians appearing literally at the drop of a hat – which on Sunday deserved to be filled to its brim with folding money. Welcome to a packed house at Bad Godesberg’s Trinkpavilion
“Virtuoso guitar music in which gripping flamenco rhythms and rapid runs alternate with calm passages and singing melodies”. That’s how Trinkpavilion described this evening’s concert on its website. I knew that already following the photoshoot I did for the duo at the Musikmuschel earlier in the year, and I still feel a bit guilty for getting Ismael and Thomas to keep playing long after I had my picture purely because it sounded so good!
When I arrive at Trinkpavilion shortly before 7 pm it’s clear by the weather and the fact that people are already standing outside the packed hall that this show would also have been excellent had it taken place where the promo photos were shot. I should have learned to get there earlier after similar experiences when the recent outdoor shows were moved inside due to bad weather. Oh well, a note to me (and to you dear reader) Excellent concerts at Trinkpavilion are no longer a ‘secret’ so GET THERE EARLY!
Organizer Helmut Both set the scene well beforehand with a short history of the music and its traditional style. He also held up a copy of the iconic Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin & Paco De Lucia disc ‘Friday Night in San Francisco’ from where the evening’s opener ‘Mediterranean Sundance’ originates. A pretty high bar for starting? But if Ismael felt any pressure he certainly didn’t show it, with a powerful opening salvo that established from the start we had a worthy teacher in front of us.
Ismael studied classical guitar in his hometown of Barcelona at the Liceus Conservatory, before deciding to deepen his knowledge of a style that undoubtedly changed him, as the son of an Andalusian mother, and that is flamenco music. The result was that he began to study and research flamenco guitar at the Taller de Músics music college, also in Barcelona. And the result of all that is the many stunning performances in recent years, including the one he delivered this evening, aided by Thomas Monnerjahn who himself is no lightweight when it comes to delivering beautiful music in a diversity of music styles. Thomas is a prizewinner from Youth Jazz competitions and, as many will know, always ready to embrace other musical styles (we’ve seen him too at Bonn Folk Club as well as accompanying various bands and musicians including the Soline Ensemble at Stadtgarten last year). Stylistically, and with his quiet temperament, he really is the perfect foil for Ismael’s musical and visual flamboyance.
For those who missed Sunday’s show, or who only managed to hear it through the glass Trinkpavilion walls or even could only watch through the door, below is a snatch of the music behind that concert poster photo shoot – and you can hear why I took my time with the pictures 😉