Gitanerias: The Essence of Flamenco

The essence of flamenco There are numerous villages and towns of great magnitude in Andalusia and most are crammed with historic architecture, picturesque plazas and romantic allegories, and, although at first they may appear similar, each of these places has a distinctive character that sets it apart from the others. The larger towns have become merged in the life of the modern world and have left behind the village orbit that allowed them to be self-sufficing, but Utrera, a small town in the province of Seville, has kept much of its idiosyncrasy. Tony Bryant has spent many years in this town and during this time he has become acquainted with some of flamenco’s most celebrated performers. He gained the trust and friendship of this family in such a way that he was invited to personal family celebrations like communions, birthdays, funerals, and fiestas of all kinds, and it was during these intimate fiestas that he witnessed a flamenco way of life that few will ever get the chance to experience. This book is full of these experiences and it focuses on every aspect of the Andalusian calendar: the fair, Easter, the bullfight, the festivals, and the traditions and customs that make the art of flamenco so fascinating. There is something about Utrera, and the way of life that exists there in, that makes a unique impression, and because the gypsies have lived there for more than five-centuries, it has a characteristic that is unlike any other.

Tony Bryant has lived and worked in Andalusia since 1994 and he is the author of three books of Spanish theme. He also writes articles for various publications concerning andalusian customs and traditions, the gypsies and their music, and Spanish culture in general. He has had work published in Spain, France, America and Israel and one of his books has recently been translated into Spanish. Tony is also a regular contributor to the London based Flamenco News magazine and he is affiliated with the world renowned flamenco dance museum in Seville. In May 2014, Tony Bryant assisted the British Broadcasting Company in Seville with a documentary named ’The spirit of flamenco’ for which he worked as organizer and translator for the project.