No less than three days we have had the master Joan Manuel Serrat on the stage of Noches del Botánico. A milestone of those that happen only once.
Perhaps for this reason we have seen thousands of people and several generations of grandfathers, grandmothers, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters come and go during these three days - 26, 27 and 28 June - to enjoy the spectacle of this unique musician.
It is important to stress the words that Serrat used to introduce his show #MediterráneoDaCapo. He reminded us that we are celebrating 47 years since the release of his album 'Mediterráneo', which came out in 1971. And faced with the possibility that perhaps the 50th anniversary would have been a "more rounded" figure to celebrate, the Catalan author pointed out with a sense of humour: "I'm not here to wait".
Because there is only one life and time must be cared for and pampered, we can only thank Serrat for having wanted to celebrate these 47 years in Madrid, at Noches del Botánico, three days in a row and before an attentive and devoted audience night after night, under an imposing full moon.
Penélope', 'Por la libertad', 'Cantares', 'Mediterráneo'... One by one, each of the artist's famous songs followed one after the other, with the chorus coming from the voices of the audience.
From the hand of the myth of Ithaca, Serrat guided us, like Ulysses, to reach a safe harbour. Even if the voyage is aboard a little paper boat. And even if sometimes it is a journey that involves a lifetime, as in the case of Raquel. It has taken her several decades to fulfil her dream of seeing her beloved Joan Manuel Serrat live.
Work, children, lack of time or money? Vicissitudes that were hindering this long-awaited meeting that has finally taken place in Noches del Botánico. We wanted to accompany her in this experience. This is her story.
In the Alhabra Club Zone we had for each of the days spectacular performances that contributed to create a special atmosphere prior to the master's performances.
On Tuesday 26th the stage belonged to Nalaya Brown, a singer from the Canary Islands with one of those immense and elaborate voices that seems to have no end. Accompanied by a combo of masterful musicians, they performed a repertoire that moved between smooth jazz and more Latin rhythms.
On the second day the music was provided by the cantaor Israel Fernández and the guitarist Jesús del Rosario, who were in charge of the music!
Finally, on Thursday 28 June, the Alhambra Club Zone was taken over by the voice and sensitivity of Paula Bilá.
As every day, in this cycle is a pleasure to have an audience of ten that accompanies us every night. You are part of every edition of Noches del Botánico... Thank you!
