Vancouver International Flamenco Festival: De Fez a Jerez

 The 35th Edition of the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival, co-presented with Caravan World Rhythms, proudly presents:

The sounds that stir the dry winds of Southern Spain and Morocco, two countries separated by only a whisper of the Mediterranean, are the musical DNA of a beautifully complex extended family linking North Africa and Europe.

Born in the ancient city of Fes, Morocco, internationally acclaimed singer Lamiae Naki and her ensemble Seffarine channel their deep knowledge of the music of both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar, the crossroad where African, Middle Eastern and European cultures meet.

The musicians of Seffarine, soulful Moroccan singer Lamiae Naki and flamenco guitarist Nat Hulskamp, supported by master musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, embrace and expand this rich musical legacy. Their dynamic performances seamlessly blend Moroccan and Arabic Andalusian music. These diverse backgrounds meld, creating what SoundRoots describes as "an ear-caressing blend of sounds from Spain and North Africa, spiced with a bit of fiery instrumentation and percussion."

Their sound reflects Lamiae's deep roots in Arabic Andalusian traditions (dating back to pre-Inquisition Moorish Spain and preserved in her native Morocco) and Nat’s background in flamenco guitar and Arabic oud. They are joined by Spanish flamenco dancer Manuel Gutierrez, known for his explosive flamenco footwork; Cuban born flamenco bassist Yosmel Montejo, whose grooving basslines drive the rhythm; and Persian multi-instrumentalist Bobak Salehi, who brings delicate kamancheh ornamentation to the ensemble.

Their sound has taken them around the world, from touring Indonesia and Europe to receiving grants to study Ottoman singing in Turkey, to recording with top flamenco musicians in Spain such as Diego del Morao and Latin Grammy Award winner Antonio Rey.

 

Voice - Lamiae Naki
Flamenco guitar, oud - Nat Hulskamp
Violin, Persian kamancheh, sehtar, gheychak - Bobak Salehi
Flamenco dance, cajón - Manuel Gutierrez
Double bass - Yosmel Montejo

"Seffarine's music can melt the coldest hearts" -Chicago Reader