Flamenco Guitar Music's Stars And Superstars
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Although there are not as many musical "stars" in the genre of Flamenco Guitar - those that do exist are as well known as their Rock counterparts. One guitarist in particular is recognized World-wide. Not only for his undeniable artistry, but also for his accomplishments in expanding the frontiers 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 realtionship 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. Three of the most progressive are not Spanish. And all but one are based in Canada. Oscar Lopez is of Chilean origin. Jesse Cook - a Canadian,born in France. And heavily influenced by the Gypsy Kings,who were once his neighbours.Add to the list,North Carolina's Lawson Rollins. Now based In San Francisco.
But none of these great guitarists could have become "Stars" - without the "Superstars of Flamenco." The pioneers who developed and innovated Flamenco Guitar Music. These "Roots Superstars" made two game changing contributions to the evolution of Flamenco Guitar Music. First, and most importantly, They elevated the Flamenco Guitar from it's accompanying role to a solo one. Second - They took Spanish Music on tour. Bringing, for the first time, authentic Flamenco Music to an International audience. These "Pioneer Superstars" - The original Legends of Flamenco - were Ramon Montoya, Sabicas, and Nino Ricardo.
The Superstar who first freed the guitar from it's role accompany singers and dancers was the Ramon Montoya. The son of a family of Gypsy cattle traders, and the Uncle of argueably more celebrated International Flamenco Superstar, Carlos Montoya. Unrelenting in his pursuit, Ramon Montoya greatly expanded the appreciation of the Solo Flamenco Guitar.
Building on Montoya's accomplishments,and opening that door further was "Sabicas." After leaving Spain in 1936 at the outbreak of civil war, Sabicas played a prominent role introducing authentic Flamenco Guitar Music to an International audience. Sabicas was renowned for his exceptional technique and unfaltering sense of rhythmn. No doubt a legacy from his early days of accompanying dancers. He was also reputed to have perfect pitch.
Perhaps the saddest note in the History of the Flamenco Guitar Superstars is the life of Nino Ricardo. An enormous talent,with a unique tone and style derived from upward curving fingernails, Nino was universally regarded as the best guitarist of his day. Celebrated, and, of course, widely imitated. He died of liver failure at the age of 68. Possibly aggravated by his early years of constant 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 noteable 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 realtionship 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. Three of the most progressive are not Spanish. And all but one are based in Canada. Oscar Lopez is of Chilean origin. Jesse Cook - a Canadian,born in France. And heavily influenced by the Gypsy Kings,who were once his neighbours.Add to the list,North Carolina's Lawson Rollins. Now based In San Francisco.
But none of these great guitarists could have become "Stars" - without the "Superstars of Flamenco." The pioneers who developed and innovated Flamenco Guitar Music. These "Roots Superstars" made two game changing contributions to the evolution of Flamenco Guitar Music. First, and most importantly, They elevated the Flamenco Guitar from it's accompanying role to a solo one. Second - They took Spanish Music on tour. Bringing, for the first time, authentic Flamenco Music to an International audience. These "Pioneer Superstars" - The original Legends of Flamenco - were Ramon Montoya, Sabicas, and Nino Ricardo.
The Superstar who first freed the guitar from it's role accompany singers and dancers was the Ramon Montoya. The son of a family of Gypsy cattle traders, and the Uncle of argueably more celebrated International Flamenco Superstar, Carlos Montoya. Unrelenting in his pursuit, Ramon Montoya greatly expanded the appreciation of the Solo Flamenco Guitar.
Building on Montoya's accomplishments,and opening that door further was "Sabicas." After leaving Spain in 1936 at the outbreak of civil war, Sabicas played a prominent role introducing authentic Flamenco Guitar Music to an International audience. Sabicas was renowned for his exceptional technique and unfaltering sense of rhythmn. No doubt a legacy from his early days of accompanying dancers. He was also reputed to have perfect pitch.
Perhaps the saddest note in the History of the Flamenco Guitar Superstars is the life of Nino Ricardo. An enormous talent,with a unique tone and style derived from upward curving fingernails, Nino was universally regarded as the best guitarist of his day. Celebrated, and, of course, widely imitated. He died of liver failure at the age of 68. Possibly aggravated by his early years of constant 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 noteable 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:
Lawrence Collins has a passion for Flamenco Guitar music and one of today's most innovative Flamenco guitarists - santiagocortez
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