Flamenco Guitarist Vicente Amigo at Lisner: The Hotter the Better

Think your knowledge of flamenco music amounts to nada? You might be acquainted with the work of Vicente Amigo without even knowing it. The celebrated guitarist has lent his talents to the soundtrack of Pedro Almodovar's 2002 Oscar-winning film "Talk to Her" and Sting's 2003 album "Sacred Love."

Still no bells? No matter. Amigo's masterly performance Wednesday at Lisner Auditorium Wednesday made it hard to imagine his music cast into such supporting roles, anyway.

Delivering a program heavy with cuts from his latest album, "Un Momento en el Sonido," the guitarist manipulated his instrument with unquestionable expertise. He was accompanied by an ensemble playing keys, bass, guitar and percussion, all of whom pitched in with the palmas -- that nuanced hand-clapping that gives flamenco its signature bite. The balance felt flawless.

But the performance wasn't always completely palatable, namely when Amigo diluted select passages with soft-jazz flourishes worthy of the Weather Channel. "Campo de la Verdad" practically dared you not to visualize precipitation systems moving across the blue scrim behind Amigo. Fortunately, these puzzling missteps often gave way to fiery, percussive crescendos, the best of which were punctuated by the emotive singing of Blas Cordoba.

Things came to a boil when dancer Rafael Campallo joined the ensemble toward the end of the set. His riveting stomps and twirls reminded the audience that Amigo's virtuosity, after all, was something to dance to.

-- Chris Richards