Don't be confused ... my playing stinks, but I was proud today because I could get through a few minutes of an attempt at Bulerias without my hands cramping totally and having to stop. I murdered half the notes and messed up compas tragically, but maybe this will give you an idea of my interpretation of some of Diego's falsetas and my idea of connecting rhythms. I tried recording it again to correct mistakes but couldn't play more than a minute before my hands said NO! I was really excited that I could play this good today. Hard for anyone to understand unless you have disabilities that make playing a challenge on the best of days. Nerve studies next week to see if more nerve damage is occurring. If so the doc may be able to stop it if problem is the nerve at the elbows as he thinks. I probably should give up trying to play, but as an Australian comedian once said when no one laughed at his jokes, "I had rather be a failure than a loser." Failures keep trying ... losers quit. More honor in trying and failing than never trying and losing out.
Bulerias Frontera.mp3

Hola Manos
Well, as we all know at this peña we enjoy our company and the pleasure of flamenco.
I think that we do listen listen to those of our group who are fortunate with their hands and technique but we also enjoy listening to all members as they develop their abilities because here what we care about is the emotion of flamenco.
I found that your bulería absolutely reminds me of the way Diego played it.
I noticed that some falsetas were more difficult than others as is the case for all of us but other falsetas I noticed were very fluid and comfortable.
We have a good flamenco moment.
Saludos
Tomas

Thanks for posting this piece. I always enjoy your recordings and how they provide a journal of your flamenco life.

byron

Manos Lentas wrote: ... I tried recording it again to correct mistakes but couldn't play more than a minute before my hands said NO! I was really excited that I could play this good today. Hard for anyone to understand unless you have disabilities that make playing a challenge on the best of days. Nerve studies next week to see if more nerve damage is occurring. If so the doc may be able to stop it if problem is the nerve at the elbows as he thinks. I probably should give up trying to play, but as an Australian comedian once said when no one laughed at his jokes, "I had rather be a failure than a loser." Failures keep trying ... losers quit. More honor in trying and failing than never trying and losing out.

That is true. Don't give up. Keep playing and posting. We all should continue doing the best we can, even though problems sometimes seem overwhelming. Your playing continues to improve over time despite your medical handicap.

I have had occasional weakness and numbness with sporadically severe joint and muscle pains recently which gives me some appreciation of what you have contended with for years. Not only do those problems make it difficult or impossible to play sometimes, but medical visits for biopsies and other tests to try to determine the cause take lots of time that I would rather spend playing guitar or doing most anything else. Preliminary indications are that my underlying condition probably is different than yours, but both our conditions make guitar playing very challenging at times.

-Bob

Bravo! I just downloaded your Bulerias and in spite of your excuses and apologies, it's pretty good.

Thank you Manos not so Lentas. I really enjoyed it. In fact, I have been dancing to it.

Lorette