Rock music is renowned for it's superstar guitarists. But the World of Flamenco Music has it's Stars, and Superstars too. The list is longer than you might think, but would certainly be headed by a guitarist who has widened the borders of traditional Flamenco Music on the International scene.
Paco De Lucia is undoubtedly "first among equals" in the pantheon of Flamenco Guitar Stars. His concerts have gained him an International reputation. Both with his sextet,and as a solo artist. Although he came from a poor family and received no formal musical education - fortunately, Paco was a child prodigy. That natural talent combined with dedication to years of practice, enabled Paco to begin his career at the tender age of 17. Accompanying the Dance Troupe of Jose Greco. Subsequently,Paco provided the musical background for the legendary Flamenco singer,Carmen De la Istra. A Professional relationship that lasted 8 years. Paco continued to elevate both his profile and that of Flamenco Music with the "trio" World tour and CD. The Trio being composed of Paco and fellow guitar superstars John mcLaughlin and Al Di Meola.Paco's ability to assimilate,but not imitate other musical styles, while respecting Traditional Flamenco,has naturally influenced the current generation of Flamenco Guitar Superstars.
Paco is perhaps best known in North America, for his tour with fellow guitar superstars, John Mcluaghlin and Al Dimeola. That tour produced the classic cd - "Friday Night in San Francisco." Just as Paco was influenced by the guitarists who came before, so Paco's innovations inspire and motivate the younger generation of Flamenco Players.
Interestingly enough, they are not all Spanish. And they all live in Canada. Except for North Carolina's Lawson Rollins, now based in the city where Tony Bennett left his heart. Jesse Cook, formerly a neighbor of the Gypsy Kings, from whom he obviously derived inspiration, is a French born Canadian, now returned to his native land. Canada is also home to Oscar Lopez, originally from Chile. But these "pre-Paco" guitarists could not have ascended to their current fame without absorbing the lessons and the history of the original Flamenco Superstars.
It was Ramon Montoya, Uncle of the renowned Flamenco guitarist, Carlos Montoya, who first liberated the Flamenco Guitar from it's role as an accompanying instrument to solo status. The son of a family of Gypsy cattle traders,Ramon Montoya's persistence and dedication were responsible for opening wider the door to solo Flamenco guitar Music.
The inheritor of Montoya's achievements, was the one name guitarist - "Sabicas." Celebrated for his unfaltering rhythmic sense and unsurpassed technique, Sabicas left Spain with the outbreak of civil war in 1936. Traveling the World, He played a major role in bringing authentic, traditional Flamenco Music to an International Audience.
Seville's Nino Ricardo is the 3rd of the "three wise men" of Flamenco Guitar. And the one whose History is the saddest. An accomplished composer with a unique performing style,owing to his upwardly curved fingernails,Nino died of liver failure at the age of 68. Perhaps aggravated by his early years of playing in Seville's bars and cafes.
These Superstars of Flamenco Guitar laid the foundations now being built upon and expanded by the current generation of Flamenco Guitar Stars. The most notable being - Santiago Cortez. Like Paco, Santiago excels in seamlessly integrating non-flamenco influences in his compositions. While always remaining true to his Flamenco roots. His formidable technique, always enhancing, never overpowering his melodic gifts, has established Santiago as a unique and valued contributor to the continuing evolution of Flamenco Guitar Music.
Paco De Lucia is undoubtedly "first among equals" in the pantheon of Flamenco Guitar Stars. His concerts have gained him an International reputation. Both with his sextet,and as a solo artist. Although he came from a poor family and received no formal musical education - fortunately, Paco was a child prodigy. That natural talent combined with dedication to years of practice, enabled Paco to begin his career at the tender age of 17. Accompanying the Dance Troupe of Jose Greco. Subsequently,Paco provided the musical background for the legendary Flamenco singer,Carmen De la Istra. A Professional relationship that lasted 8 years. Paco continued to elevate both his profile and that of Flamenco Music with the "trio" World tour and CD. The Trio being composed of Paco and fellow guitar superstars John mcLaughlin and Al Di Meola.Paco's ability to assimilate,but not imitate other musical styles, while respecting Traditional Flamenco,has naturally influenced the current generation of Flamenco Guitar Superstars.
Paco is perhaps best known in North America, for his tour with fellow guitar superstars, John Mcluaghlin and Al Dimeola. That tour produced the classic cd - "Friday Night in San Francisco." Just as Paco was influenced by the guitarists who came before, so Paco's innovations inspire and motivate the younger generation of Flamenco Players.
Interestingly enough, they are not all Spanish. And they all live in Canada. Except for North Carolina's Lawson Rollins, now based in the city where Tony Bennett left his heart. Jesse Cook, formerly a neighbor of the Gypsy Kings, from whom he obviously derived inspiration, is a French born Canadian, now returned to his native land. Canada is also home to Oscar Lopez, originally from Chile. But these "pre-Paco" guitarists could not have ascended to their current fame without absorbing the lessons and the history of the original Flamenco Superstars.
It was Ramon Montoya, Uncle of the renowned Flamenco guitarist, Carlos Montoya, who first liberated the Flamenco Guitar from it's role as an accompanying instrument to solo status. The son of a family of Gypsy cattle traders,Ramon Montoya's persistence and dedication were responsible for opening wider the door to solo Flamenco guitar Music.
The inheritor of Montoya's achievements, was the one name guitarist - "Sabicas." Celebrated for his unfaltering rhythmic sense and unsurpassed technique, Sabicas left Spain with the outbreak of civil war in 1936. Traveling the World, He played a major role in bringing authentic, traditional Flamenco Music to an International Audience.
Seville's Nino Ricardo is the 3rd of the "three wise men" of Flamenco Guitar. And the one whose History is the saddest. An accomplished composer with a unique performing style,owing to his upwardly curved fingernails,Nino died of liver failure at the age of 68. Perhaps aggravated by his early years of playing in Seville's bars and cafes.
These Superstars of Flamenco Guitar laid the foundations now being built upon and expanded by the current generation of Flamenco Guitar Stars. The most notable being - Santiago Cortez. Like Paco, Santiago excels in seamlessly integrating non-flamenco influences in his compositions. While always remaining true to his Flamenco roots. His formidable technique, always enhancing, never overpowering his melodic gifts, has established Santiago as a unique and valued contributor to the continuing evolution of Flamenco Guitar Music.
About the Author:
Maya Martinez has a passion for the arts. particularly music. Enjoy the Flamenco Fusion of Santiago Cortez at www.soulmuse21.com.
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