Paco Rentería in Vallarta Again (PV MIRROR)

Paco Renteria in Vallarta AgainBy Anna Reisman - July 2004

It was 9 o'clock and as usual, the hall was full to capacity. The musicians began to come on stage, but where there used to be four, there are now six members to accompany Paco Renteria, often called Vallarta's "golden boy". They came in one by one, Emanuel Macias, the violinist prodigy, Benjamin, the newcomer trumpet player, Luis and Victor on guitar, Roberto on bongo and conga drums -who now has a new colleague, Monico- and so on until the stage was filled in anticipation of Paco's entrance.

This incredibly gifted guitarist started to play in Puerto Vallarta a little over nine years ago. He loves this town and he showed it once again by interrupting his world tour to appear at the May Music Festival. Among his numerous compositions, some of which have earned him international fame, he was inspired during his many stays in Vallarta to write others, which are part of "Oceano", his latest CD, and which he performed superbly during this appearance.

Those of us who make it a point never to miss one of Paco's performances in this town were a little surprised to note that he was wearing a colored shirt this time. He usually appears dressed entirely in white, and barefoot. He was still barefoot. He took his seat nonchalantly and coolly joined in the first number his companions had started, a rousing rendition of one of our old favorites from his "Latin Gypsy" CD. The hits followed one another to the delight of all those present. "Piel de Mujer" (Skin of a Woman) has been rearranged. The version that night was more complex, more like peeling an onion, layer by layer, until the most personal, innermost core of where we hide our feelings of love was laid bare. As always, this song was dedicated to all the women in the audience, and as always, it brought out audible sighs among them. There was "El Mariachi" (the famous theme of the famous movie), a superb violin solo by Emanuel, and of course, what I like to call Paco's "show-off" piece, the only one he did not compose: La Malagueña. By the time that one ended, I am certain that the audience was ready to kiss this artist's bare feet! The applause was thunderous.

As we were listening to a solo by the young newcomer, Benjamin, on the trumpet, a friend of ours who is much more knowledgeable than me in matter of music said, "It is such a pleasure to hear the trumpet played the way it should be!" The young man / child also received a round of well-deserved applause.

Paco's passionate, now more experienced, more professional, more mature music easily brought out the emotions of the audience, fans and newcomers alike, everything from happiness and laughter to sadness and regret. Some numbers, like Tauromaquia and Egypto, evoked ovations in the middle of their performance, and new melodies were heartily applauded.

It was midnight by the time it was all over. No one wanted the concert to end, but end it did. The CD's which the band had brought to sell in the lobby disappeared in a few minutes. Like always.

Paco's fans may recall that he and his boys performed at Luciano Pavarotti's goodbye "Concert in the Desert" in San Luis Potosi last October, an event that attracted some 50,000 people. Pavarotti was so impressed with Paco's performance that he invited him to join him for his goodbye concert in Canada scheduled for later this year. Should the event take place, you can be sure I will fly up there to see it and tell you all about it!

I had the pleasure of spending a few delightful hours with Paco and two of his musicians the day after the concert. Everyone chatted while enjoying some of the delicious treats made right on the spot at Vallarta's best ice cream shoppe, "Once Upon A Time." (see photo). I found out that the group's 2004 World Tour has already taken it to New York City, the best venues in Mexico, and then on to Europe! Many years ago, I wrote that Paco was a diamond in the rough. Well, let me tell you: the polishing process has been wonderful. This young man's climb to the top is nowhere near its apex. He just keeps on shining ever so much brighter every year.

We all hope to see Paco and the boys back in Vallarta in December or January. And for those of you who still don't have all of Paco's CD's yet, you may log on to his web site at:
http://www.pacorenteriaguitar.com or contact David Lanks at:
davidlanks@pacorenteriaguitar.com to order them.