Bloggers Guide To Flamenco! -Part 2

Onwards for Part 2 of my Bl(o/a)ggers Guide to Flamenco!
FLAMENCO PALOS
Today amigos, its Flamenco music styles (palos). As for the origins of Flamenco (in a nut shell) this lies in Andalucía and is said to have evolved from the many cultures that have existed in this region throughout its turbulent social history. Gypsy, Arab, Jewish, it’s all there and I suppose even today Flamenco retains the emotion and spirit of their persecution.
As for Flamenco styles these differ by region, their history, rhythm, and mood. Some are serious, some are happy, some are sung on their own, some are danced by men, some by women. Yep folks it’s not an easy task to label this stuff so I’m going to stick to the basic forms I know. Feel free to comment if I’ve got something wrong or offended the duende! Remember this is the Blaggers Guide!

First thing to memorise is the three categories of singing. Underneath each category is the corresponding Palos. I also give some handy advice if you happen to be listening with aficionados (experts) at a juerga (spontaneous flamenco performance)!

Cante Grande –This is the “mother” of flamenco. The real serious, deep and emotional stuff. When listening it’s generally about death, lost love, pain, tears and funerals so perfect your most serious face and imagine the worst!
Siguiriyas
Soleares
Tientos.

Cante Chico –This is dare I say, light-weight stuff in comparison to the Cante Grande. It’s usually fairly noisy, lots of clapping and danced to. But don’t be too laid back, although happy the words sometimes have a sinister edge to them. For this I recommend to go for it, tap your feet, get up and dance, clap, shout some encouragement but do it with a little irony (just in case there’s a surprise)!
Alegrias
Fandangos
Farruca
Sevillana (I know it’s officially a folk song but it is derived from Flamenco).

Cante Intermedio –A tricky one this. Somewhere in between Grande and Chico. Usually the words tell a fairly emotional story but with a “and they all lived happily ever after (after suffering for many more years)” ending. Not much advice to give in this situation. I would recommend visiting the bathroom, then come back and see what the general mood of the people is like. Failing that, copy the person next to you?
Bulerias
Tangos.

For the next parts of my guide I will explain the Palos in more detail, starting with the Siguiriyas. I will also provide some audio to aid the learning!

CONTENTS
Bloggers Guide To Flamenco! -Part 1 -Introduction