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Romero Flamenco Trio
(Romero Website)
Hernan Romero on Flamenco Guitar and Voice
Manuel Carro on Cajon and Voice
Sean Kupisz on Electric Bass
At
Taboon
773 Tenth Avenue @52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
212.713.0271
Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
March 5, 2007
In this warm, lively, and enchantingly decorated bistro in Midtown West, Manhattan, that focuses on Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine, Romero, the Flamenco guitarist, brought his trio to entertain his loyal fans and Taboon’s loyal diners. Tiny overhead lights and hanging Israeli lamps decorate this restaurant, with cinched white curtains and white painted, exposed brick walls. The Taboon oven is shaped like a Romanesque cathedral window, filled with burning wood and manned by an attentive chef. Before the trio performed, I ordered house Focaccia, baked in the wood-burning oven and marinated in olive oil and herbs. It was served with a yogurt and dill sauce, called Tzatziki. The fish of the day was John Dory, also baked in the oven, and it was crisp and hot. It was served on braised fennel. The homemade dessert sorbets, strawberry, raspberry, and passion fruit, were presented in three tiny glasses with fresh ground nuts.
Romero began the set with an intense guitar, building in volume and rhythmic rapidity. Sean Kupisz on bass and Manuel Carro on cajón added voice to Romero’s deep, throaty intonations, and I knew this would be a great set. Images of Flamenco dancers in long, ruffled skirts, abounded, but this was purely a musical group. Occasionally Manuel used cymbals and “palmera” (hand-clavé), as well as chimes. The second set introduced Flamenco ballads, more sensual, romantic, and exceptionally suited to the hour. Pulsating flamencos alternated with these ballads, all with signature Flamenco vocals and deep, resonant reverberations. Steady pulsating beats brought the voices to dynamic fervor, followed by additional ballads of soothing musicality. Sometimes the music hinted of Brazilian Samba, but mostly the Flamenco genre was truly celebrated by Romero’s seasoned trio. Romero is a powerful and impassioned Flamenco guitarist, and his vocal enhancements keep the listener mesmerized.
Danny, Taboon Proprietor
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Taboon-Baked House Focaccia with Tzatziki
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
John Dory Fillet, Pan-Seared and Taboon-Baked
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Homemade Sorbet Trio, Strawberry, Raspberry, Passion Fruit
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Manuel Carro, Percussion, Cahon, and Voice
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Sean Kupisz, Electric Bass
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Romero on Flamenco Guitar and Voice
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Taboon's Rounded Wood-Burning Oven
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Taboon's Rounded Wood-Burning Oven
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
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