Spring Break
Eastern European and Spanish music meet in 'Andalusian Nights'
Niketa Reed
Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Life & Style
The Kahula Gypsy Band brought a touch of Spain to campus in "Andalusian Nights" Monday night at RZ's Coffeehouse.
In the same format as the "Journey Through Jazz" event, violinist Ryan Cockerham, along with band members Raja on guitar and Rita as the background singer, guided the audience through the history and rhythms of flamenco music.
Creating their own intro music as a warm-up, the band plunged right into what they called a fusion of Eastern European and Spanish music, creating the basic rhythmic patterns in flamenco.
"Lost love, lost hope and the urge to die - this summarizes flamenco music, " said Cockerham before playing a somber song with a chorus that echoed "If you really love me, say yes. And if you don't dear, confess."
The origins of the flamenco genre, which is often disputed as having more of a Spanish semblance than gypsy influence, Raja said. He argues that its both.
The genre takes from both Far East Europe and Spain, creating a big cultural melting pot, Cockerham said.
"This is all the same music. They've just taken separate paths," said Cockerham, later adding that there are similar guitar strings but different melodies that are popular in different regions.
The Kahula Gypsy Band formed a year and a half ago and perform quite a bit of Spanish influenced music, particularly that of flamenco, he said.
There is a misconception that any type of Spanish guitar is flamenco, and that's not true, said Cockerham, while expounding on the distinctive features in the music his band plays.
"Andalusian Nights" is another event coordinated by the Cultures and Concepts Committee that is creating a new image of itself within University Programs.
?"Andalusia is a region in southern Spain that gave birth to flamenco, so we thought to be a little creative with "Andalusian Nights," said committee chairman Roberto Noensie.
"Historically, the Cultures and Concepts Committee has been identified as the 'lecture committee.' However, this year we aim to be more creative in exposing various cultures while still inviting quality speakers to campus.
"A music performance and lecture is surely an entertaining medium to achieve this goal," Noensie said.
The performance at RZ's Coffeehouse was the Kahula Gypsy Band's first show on campus. They regularly perform on Saturday mornings during the farmer's market season.
"Everybody there loves them because they are very talented and entertaining," Noensie said.
UA student Jessica Middleton was also familiar with the band after hearing them at the farmer's market.
"I think they do a really unique sort of music," said Middleton, who is also an acquaintance of the band's violinist, Ryan Cockerham.
In the same format as the "Journey Through Jazz" event, violinist Ryan Cockerham, along with band members Raja on guitar and Rita as the background singer, guided the audience through the history and rhythms of flamenco music.
Creating their own intro music as a warm-up, the band plunged right into what they called a fusion of Eastern European and Spanish music, creating the basic rhythmic patterns in flamenco.
"Lost love, lost hope and the urge to die - this summarizes flamenco music, " said Cockerham before playing a somber song with a chorus that echoed "If you really love me, say yes. And if you don't dear, confess."
The origins of the flamenco genre, which is often disputed as having more of a Spanish semblance than gypsy influence, Raja said. He argues that its both.
The genre takes from both Far East Europe and Spain, creating a big cultural melting pot, Cockerham said.
"This is all the same music. They've just taken separate paths," said Cockerham, later adding that there are similar guitar strings but different melodies that are popular in different regions.
The Kahula Gypsy Band formed a year and a half ago and perform quite a bit of Spanish influenced music, particularly that of flamenco, he said.
There is a misconception that any type of Spanish guitar is flamenco, and that's not true, said Cockerham, while expounding on the distinctive features in the music his band plays.
"Andalusian Nights" is another event coordinated by the Cultures and Concepts Committee that is creating a new image of itself within University Programs.
?"Andalusia is a region in southern Spain that gave birth to flamenco, so we thought to be a little creative with "Andalusian Nights," said committee chairman Roberto Noensie.
"Historically, the Cultures and Concepts Committee has been identified as the 'lecture committee.' However, this year we aim to be more creative in exposing various cultures while still inviting quality speakers to campus.
"A music performance and lecture is surely an entertaining medium to achieve this goal," Noensie said.
The performance at RZ's Coffeehouse was the Kahula Gypsy Band's first show on campus. They regularly perform on Saturday mornings during the farmer's market season.
"Everybody there loves them because they are very talented and entertaining," Noensie said.
UA student Jessica Middleton was also familiar with the band after hearing them at the farmer's market.
"I think they do a really unique sort of music," said Middleton, who is also an acquaintance of the band's violinist, Ryan Cockerham.
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