Sarah Willard
For Black Press
Los Angeles based flamenco-fusion duo El Javi are winding up their whirlwind Gypsy Journey tour of Western Canada at a finale show in Vernon this Friday night at Pottery Road Yoga Studio.
This may be the last chance to catch this acclaimed instrumental band in Canada, as the duo continues to travel the world, bringing its class-act performances to the U.S. and Europe in the months to come.
Black Press journalist Dale Boyd, with the Penticton Western News, wrote a glowing review of a recent sold-out El Javi show in Penticton, saying, “I’ve never seen the crowd at the Dream Café more enthused… They basically forced an encore of the duo.”
Forks literally hung in mid-air, as the mesmerized dinner-crowd audience listened in rapture to each and every note.
El Javi’s seductive combination of passionate musicianship and flawless technique held the crowd spellbound, culminating in a standing ovation the likes of which I’ve never seen at that venue.
Equally incredible is that these lush and intricate sounds come from a simple, unassuming set of a single guitar and minimalist drum kit.
The musical magic Mexican-born guitarist Javi Guerez and Barcelona percussionist Jordi Marin weaves has to be seen to be believed.
“This is our first visit to Canada, so people really didn’t know what they were in for at our concerts,” said Javi, with a laugh. “In the past three weeks, we’ve already built up a fan base and our audience in the Okanagan have let us know how much they’ve enjoyed our shows.”
“We didn’t even know what to expect from the venues or the audiences here,” added Jordi. “People treat us super good in Canada. Everyone we’ve met has been wonderful. All of us are sharing in unexpected surprises. We love it here.”
El Javi commenced their tour in Canada at Lorenzo’s Café near Enderby in late-June, befriending the members of the popular Vernon act The Dharma Dolls.
Upon seeing the band play, vocalist Judy Rose was instrumental in bringing the boys back to the North Okanagan by connecting El Javi to the Pottery Road Yoga Studio proprietors, Sherrie and Neil Erickson.
The Ericksons are no strangers to hosting talented musical groups at their unique and beautiful setting. Their outdoor stage setup is like a mini Roots & Blues-type festival, with guests bringing blankets and chairs to experience world-class music in a casual, yet intimate environment.
Concert-goers can expect the unexpected. Familiar classic-rock tunes spanning The Beatles to Led Zeppelin feature El Javi’s signature flamenco twist, while classic Spanish compositions and original numbers range from heart-breaking ballads to frenetically-paced numbers. It’s a roller-coaster of sound and emotion that can only be fully appreciated by experiencing a live performance.
Tickets for El Javi’s show at the Pottery Road Yoga Studio (964 Pottery Rd.) are $25, available at Bean Scene and Bean to Cup. Friday’s gates open 7 p.m. with the performance starting at 7:30 p.m.
For more info, contact Sherrie at 250-260-0878 or email sherrie@potteryroadyoga.com. For more info about the band, visit www.eljavi.com.
