Vicente Amigo In Concert ★★★★

It may be overcast and dreary on the streets of Islington, with arguably one of the most disappointing summers, but inside the walls of Sadler’s Wells, the sun is shining, as their annual Flamenco Festival gets off to a hot start.

For the second night of the festival Vicente Amigo, brought the heat of Seville, and a score of toe-tapping, tranquil music to Sadler’s Wells, in his musical review of his latest recordings with several surprises. With a simple colour block backdrop, that was surely no accident in being reminiscent of a sunrise, Vicente was accompanied by the dulcet tones from singer Rafael de Utrera, fancy footwork from dancer Dani Navarro as well as guitarist
Antonio Fernández, bassist Ewen Vernal and percussionist Francisco González Agudo.

With his fast-moving fingers, at one with the guitar, Vicente Amigo is able to transport you to Seville. Close your eyes and you are there. The audience found themselves longing for the intimacy of a secluded tapas bar in Andalusia and wanting the confines of the auditorium chairs to disappear to allow for the audience to dance. This was especially true when Navarro rose from his chair and began dancing, you couldn’t help but envy his freedom, as you watched his marvellous footwork on the stage.

Exceptionally talented and a master of his craft, Vicente welcomed us like old friends reuniting, into his musical world, making us feel like one of his amigos. A calming evening that transported the audience to the streets of Seville.

Whilst we are all longing for an Andalusian getaway, for now, the Flamenco Festival has made Sadler’s Wells the next best thing.