BY JOSHUA RYAN RAMIREZOne of Oscar Wilde’s many poignant quotes reads, “Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory”. After three weeks in Salamanca and picking up on the curious manner in which its DJs play Avicii’s Levels on an infinitely continuous loop, I find true Mr. Wilde’s reference to the former. If you’re anything like me, this practice has left you with an intense craving for a substantially more developed sound, enough to genuinely tempt you into matching the fate of Beethoven by means of the nearest available toothpick.
Fortunately for all of us, this will not be necessary for there is a solution. Located on Calle de Meléndez, which connects the Plaza Mayor to the Casa de Las Conchas, there is a pleasant little venue known as El Corrillo. Set under the restaurant is an intimate stage upon which bands from each and every genre of music perform a set of magnificent melodies mere meters away from your threateningly thirsty ears. These acts range from my beloved blues, in which the Los Floros guitarist utilized each of the six strings, twenty-two frets, and twelve bars to softly seep into and soothe the souls of those seated, all the way to the upbeat, high-energy playlist of the Toledo-spawned 45doblecero7, a band specializing in a ska/rock infused sound with a touch of funk for those of us with more rapid pulses (see video).
Fortunately for all of us, this will not be necessary for there is a solution. Located on Calle de Meléndez, which connects the Plaza Mayor to the Casa de Las Conchas, there is a pleasant little venue known as El Corrillo. Set under the restaurant is an intimate stage upon which bands from each and every genre of music perform a set of magnificent melodies mere meters away from your threateningly thirsty ears. These acts range from my beloved blues, in which the Los Floros guitarist utilized each of the six strings, twenty-two frets, and twelve bars to softly seep into and soothe the souls of those seated, all the way to the upbeat, high-energy playlist of the Toledo-spawned 45doblecero7, a band specializing in a ska/rock infused sound with a touch of funk for those of us with more rapid pulses (see video). Obviously, all of us have embarked on this Salamancan escapade because we have an affinity for discovering novel entities and I will put my reputation on the line to claim that this is the prime place to do just that, though I also maintain to those wary of dropping euros on the unknown that there will absolutely be a band to appease each and every taste, excluding of course the house music enthusiasts who have an extreme advantage in the city as it is.
However, my praise and resulting guarantee are not nearly enough to match the experience of actually being present for authentic Spanish music en vivo and the ensuing Wednesdays and Thursdays will present a stage to be taken by singer-songwriters, funk, progressive, and folk musicians (and if my prayers are answered, a Smiths/Morrissey cover band). So there is nothing but opportunity to see for yourself. Shows begin a bit past 22:00, with tickets ranging from 6€ to 10€ (possibly including a CD if you're lucky) and much unlike Avicii, you'll get a good feeling EVERY time.
Video: Yo me quedo un poco mas by 45doblecero7. This was one of the songs they performed at El Corillo.
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