Flamenco Guitar's Legendary Superstars

Every style of music has it's superstars. And Flamenco Guitar music is no exception. Paco de Lucia certainly leads the pack. And, depending on your taste, the "other Paco", Paco Pena, Miguel de la Bastide, Lawson Rollins, and Jesse Cook, might also be considered- in the "Superstar" Category.

But none of the music of today's Superstars would be possible without the contributions of the Legendary Superstars. The innovators of previous generations. The Flamenco Guitar originals whose accomplishments laid the foundations on which today's Flamenco Superstars continue to create and evolve.

Three names are foremost in the pantheon of Legendary Flamenco Guitarists. Ramon Montoya. Sabicas. And Nino Ricardo. Their combined talents elevated Flamenco from a regional music relegated to accompanying dancers and singers, to an International art form. They took Flamenco out of bars and cafes, to the concert stage.

Read more about their inspiring journey and achievements HERE.

Legends of the Flamenco Guitar

When we think of Spanish Music, the word "Legends" brings to mind the modern Spanish Guitarists. Like Paco de Lucia. But for all his great talent and accomplishments, Paco, and all the guitarists of his generation, are simply expanding and enriching the legacy of the original "Legends of the Flamenco Guitar."

The men whom for the first time, elevated the Flamenco Guitar from an accompanying instrument, to a solo one. And, equally important, took their music outside of Spain for all the World to enjoy.

Learn more about these incredible legends HERE.

Spanish Guitar Heros

Although we tend to think of Rock/eletcric guitarists when we use the phrase "Guitar Heros", there are definitely New Spanish Guitar Heros.

These creators of the New Spanish Music come from all countries, and a variety of backgrounds. but, with one common passion. The Spanish Guitar.

Building on the traditions and accomplishments of their musical ancestors, this "new breed" continue to expand the boundaries of what we commonly refer to as "Spanish Music", while respecting their musical heritage.

You can learn more HERE.

New Spanish Flamenco Guitar Music

One of the great things about music is that it's always changing. Always evolving. Incorporating influences from other musical styles, to morph into something new and unique. Nowhere is this more apparent today than with new Spanish Flamenco guitar music.

But to truly appreciate what's going on now, it's important to have a basic understanding of the history of Spanish music.

Continue Reading HERE

Flamenco Guitar

Flamenco Guitar , and the dance and cullture that are part of it, have a long and varied history. TOO LONG to go into here.

Distinctive - not Original

What is obvious when you examine what we generally refer to as "Flamenco Music", is that it is hybrid. Composed of elements of other previous musical traditions. The Romans and Greeks, particularly. Even the Italians are represented. As two of their most celebrated composers, Scarlatti and Boccherini resided in the Kings palace in Madrid during the early Renaissance.

The Big Two

But the two greatest contributors to the evolution of Flamenco Music as we know it today, were the Moors, who inhabited Granada for more than 800 years, and the gypsy tribes that roamed the Mediteraneen.

The Main Man

Perhaps the leading contemporary advocate and innovator of Flamenco is the Andulsian Guitarist, Paco de Lucia. A child prodigy, with a unwavering self-discipline, the young Paco passed untold hours in his room practicing. When he felt he was ready, Paco was fortunate to get a huge"lucky break. " Accompanying the legendary Flamenco singer Carmen de la Istra. A lucky break that was to last 8 years, and establish Paco as a major force on the Flamenco guitar scene.

Feeding the Flame
Since then, with his own compositions, built on traditional Famenco roots, and his forays into Jazz(most noteably with Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin) Paco continues to innovate and expand the frontiers of Spanish Music.

Now there is a new generation of Spanish guitarists. Who, like Paco, have absorbed and incroporated other influences, while respecting their unique musical heritage. One of the most gifted and inventive of this new breed is Santiago Cortez.

Like Paco, his original compositions are inspired by a wide variety of musical idioms. Jazz, Rock, Pop, Reggae, Soul, Folk and World. Just to name a few!

Santiago's "rainbow" of musical colors is best appreciated on his aptly titled, "Hybrid" CD. Here he displays an amazing variety of styles, tempos, and moods. Which while totally originally, are familiar without being derivative. Also refreshing is the fact that Santiago's impressive technique never overpowers his exquisite gift for melodic expression.

In addition to "Hybrid", Santiago has three other CD's - "Colors of Spain", "Whispers of Spain", and "Amora Musicale."

You can hear them all, and get free download of a complete track from each CD at the link below the Hybrid CD. http://soulmuse21.com/music.html