Spanish Guitar Music for Mediation,Yoga,Stress Relief
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 was the late and great 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.
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.”
