Bulería

“Bulería” is the most characteristic flamenco style of Jerez de la Frontera. It is generally composed of three or four eight-syllable verses. This is one of the most complex dancing and guitar styles: bustling, happy and cheerful.

 

It is characterised by a fast rhythm and a redoubled beat. It is more suitable than other flamenco styles to be sung accompanied by flamenco clapping, "jaleo" and other shouts and expresive voices. “Bulerías” constitute an usually dance to finish all flamencos parties (composing a semicircle, people dance in the middle of it a part of the song).

 

"Loco Mateo" was the first performer of this style, finishing his “soleares or soleás” with "bulerías". Hence “bulería” results from “solea”. It was originated in the late 19th century. In "Sinfonía Virtual" magazine Guillermo Castro documented that the term “bulería” was used for the first time in the 17th century, but it didn't acquire its flamenco meaning until the early 20th century. It was earlier believed that the first appearance of this style came up with the painting of José García Ramos "Baile por bulerías" (1884), preserved in the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville. Currently, it's widely known that this paiting had other titles previously such as "Tango", "Bailarina" or "El Baile". It was not until second half of the XX century that it adopted the name "Baile por Bulerías".

 

The most flamenco “bulerías” are in Phrygian mode (with the I chord mutation that becomes Major perfect, often combining melodic and harmonic turns on the I and VI).

 

The most outstanding performers of this style are Terremoto de Jerez, La Paquera de Jerez, Camaron de la Isla, Jose Merce and Fernando de la Moren. Regarding guitarists, highlight: Moraíto Chico, Niño Miguel, Manuel Morao, Paco de Lucia, Paco Cepero, Tomatito, Diego del Morao and Vicente Amigo.