If anything shone during the night of July 6 was the charisma and spirit of the two artists we had on the stage of Noches del Botánico. Each with their own particular style, but with the pure essence of elegance and class as a root in two shows that were magic.
The guest artist of the day was Rhonda Ross. Her surname alone is dazzling, and having a mother named Diana Ross can tell you a lot about the way you were brought up in music. But her father also has a lot to say about it, since he is none other than Berry Gordy, the architect of Motwon. So it's hardly surprising that Rhonda Ross has music flowing through her veins. If Rhonda Ross is anything, it is pure musicality.
She says so herself during her live performance when she talks about the special family she grew up in, but also about the family she herself has formed. Her husband, Rodney Kendrick, is the wonderful pianist who shares the stage with her and is also a musician and composer with a long career in the world of jazz and blues. Both styles dominated the repertoire of the concert, which was a magnificent opening for Corinne Bailey Rae.
By the way, it was Rhonda and Rodney's son, Raif, who made the introductions at the beginning of the show - speaking a perfect español- and who came on stage to finish the concert dancing with his parents.
[Photos: Jorge Fuembuena]
The second woman leading the night was Corinne Bailey Rae. A Briton who contains all the energy and life force of the universe. From the first minute she gave off a warmth and drive that engaged her devoted audience, who sang, danced and chanted at Corinne's request.
It was with Put your records on where the audience's voices rang the loudest, but also with other of their hits such as Like a staralso from their 2006 debut album, or Is this lovethe wonderful version of the Bob Marley classic that won Bailey Rae a Grammy in 2012.
In perfect communion with her band, Corinne Bailey Rae gave us a superb concert.
[Photos: Jorge Fuembuena]
