reviews

*****Grioghair McCord UK 18 Aug 2006

"Genuine Spanish Flamenco from a highly gifted trio. Original composition and superlative guitar work from Ricardo Garcia, would be worth going to see in its' own right - add the outstandingly strong dance sequences and vocals of the other 2 performers to the mix, and you get an assemblage which is beautiful in a timeless fashion - not mere effect and hype like so many other fringe shows. The genuine article - highly recommend."

Heidi Holmes UK 14 Aug 2006

"An enthralling hour of dance and music, expertly performed by Ricardo Garcia and the Familia Flamenca. Highly enjoyable and highly recommended."

*****Ian McNeill UK 11 Aug 2006

"Flamenco Jazz Umbrella contains some mesmerising flamenco guitar by Garcia, and the assistance of 2 dancers and some backing musicians turn the performance into a proper show. Unfortunately the late start time of 23.35 meant the audience was only 20 people, but that did not dull Garcia's infectious enthusiasm. The show is well worth staying up late for"

*****DM UK 10 Aug 2006

"Well worth going to see this show, especially if you like Flamenco. Very Authentic."

Andrew Moore Toronto 12 July 2006

"One of the few Fringe show where I looked at my watch in dismay because I wanted it go on and on and onâ. Encore!"

Esther Toronto 11 July 2006

"Warning, this is music and dance performance not a play and it is wonderful! Ricardo Garcia is the type of musician that keeps you riveted to his sounds. Both the Flamenco and Break dancers are very accomplished in their own style of dance. It was like watching a Spanish Dance being translated into Rap. Quite a unique and enjoyable performance."

Winnie Toronto 10 July 2006

"A mesmerizing experience. The music was fantastic and I could have listened to it alone for hours. The dancing only heightened the experience. The dance and music flowed in and out of each other so organically and the two different dance genres worked remarkably well together. Bravo."

"Outstanding musicianship, fearless movement. This show deserved the standing ovation
it received and we were rewarded with an encore. Fantastic."

Jim Toronto 08 July 2006

"Easily worth 5 stars or 4 if you don’t lke Flamenco. Don’t miss this."

******McRae Campbell Montreal June 2006

"I wish I could give you 6 stars but they don't do that"

Kayo Opebiyi UK6 May 2006

"very enjoyable, brilliant performance, perfect harmony. both children and adults alike as we were sucked in to the performance"

**** Anon. Vancouver 22 Sep 2005

"Excellent performance by all the performers. Ricardo is very skillfull and plays the flamenco guitar the way it should be played. I hope to be able to see him again in the future."

**** Lola Vancouver 21 Sep 2005

"Flamenco Flow was a really unique and entertaining show with beautiful guitar compositions played with virtuosity and feeling by Ricardo Garcia, and talented dancing by hip-hop dancer, Nico, and flamenco dancers Karen Pitkethly and Veronica Stewart (on different nights). The ensemble worked well together and the interactions were effective and occasionally humorous. Ole todos!"

***** Carol Kelly UK 8 Aug 2005

Dionika: Spanish Tapas & Guitar
Excellent food produced by owner Juan, augmented with the passionate guitar of Ricardo Garcia provided a wonderful evening of entertainment for the palate and the ears. The intimate nature of this venue allows the audience to experience the music at close quarters. Juan should be supported in his efforts to provide something diferent to the Edinburgh scene. Ten out of ten!

***** Susan Hackell UK  26 Aug 2004

"If you are wondering which show to choose during the last few days of the festival..... THIS IS THE ONE! ...one which will enable you, in years to come, to say "I saw them before they were famous" ...this is THE perfect show ...group was exciting to watch and hear and had exceptional talent, including the dancer who is marvellously seductive in the classiest way possible. The enthusiasm of the leader of the group, Ricardo Garcia, whose talent is awesome, is infectious ...truly wonderful and so uplifting. I really do wish I had been introduced to flamenco years ago. I am totally 'hooked' now." 

***** Kelvin Bell England 26 Aug 2004

"...highlight of the Fringe for me this year. The muscians and the dancer were able to bring the heat of southern Spain to a chilly Edinburgh August." 

***** Martin Dryden East Kilbride, GB 25 Aug 2004

"Superb show, fine musicianship and a wonderful dancer...you leave knowing you've been entertained." 

*****  Kevin Cuthill Edinburgh, Scotland 24 Aug 2004

"...fantastic show ...visually stunning too with the beautiful Flamenco dancer.  Most impressive though has to be the incredible virtuosity of the musicians. I liked it so much I bought the CD. ...record a live album next please! Gracias."

**** Nick Spencer UK 24 Aug 2004

"...Ricardo Garcia plays his astonishing guitarra, and water runs in diamond droplets from the Sierras. He plays his guitar, and a rainstorm lashes the Pyrennean mountains. He plays, and a machine gun fires in the Latin American jungle. The pace is rapid, the rhythms complex, secure, outrageous. Garcia's startling melodic runs offered with humility, then fiery panache ...whole thing is so good ...for the audience, delight that they have stumbled upon an inspiring, moving, and masterly rendering of flamenco."

***** Darren Scotland 21 Aug 2004

"I never thought that this would be my type of show! Yet I was truly stunned! The music was sensational; lively, vibrant - truly remeniscent of the best ever holidays in Spain. The cast were true professionals - brilliant musicians, mesmorising dancers. All I can say is if you miss this show you really are a fool!!" 

***** Given Scotland 18 Aug 2004

"Spanish music with huge style and technical ability ...they handle everything almost effortlessly. Individually the three musicians are very impressive - as a whole they create a perfect sound. The flamenco dancer is stunningly good too - she combines such grace and power, and the rhythms from her shoes only add to the sound from the band. This is my tip for the best music show on the Fringe."

*****Andrew Scotland 17 Aug 2004

"...their musical ability was astounding - I have never before heard anyone playing guitar as well as Ricardo. The dancer was a joy to watch, and the overall sound from the trio was fantastic - so I saw them twice."

***** Stan Reynolds UK 17 Aug 2003

"A must to see. This really is a World Class Flamenco Group. Non Guitar Players - enjoy the traditional amazing music and dance. Guitar Players - you will want to cut your fingers off after you see this gig. If you do nothing else at this Festival be sure to see Ricardo Garcia Y La Familia Flamenca."

***** LT UK 14 Aug 2003

"Fantastic. Wonderful. Don't miss this show."

*** Luis Spain 26 Aug 2003

"Viva Ricardo!

Excellent guitar! I enjoyed the show very much"

***** Alistair McKillop Scotland 11 Aug 2002

"Ricardo and Family deserve a bigger venue next year to showcase their undoubted talents. Go along and lose yourself for a while, remembering those hot sultry days you spent last time you had a holiday in Spain. A quality act."