Skate-Wear Central

Guitar Men

The Stars and Superstars of Spanish Flamenco Guitar Music

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.

These guitarists,who continue to evolve Flamenco Music could not have become “stars” without the innovations and accomplishments of Flamenco’s “Supserstars.” The “pre-Paco” guitarists. It is their legacy that all of today’s Flamenco Music is derived from.

Ramon Montoya,Sabicas,and Nino Ricardo. The three”wise men” of Flamenco Guitar,were responsible for establishing and popularizing the Flamenco Guitar as a solo instrument. Lifting it from a singer’s amd dancer’s accompanying role in bars and cafes. And it was these Superstars who first introduced authentic Flamenco Music to an International audience.

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.

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.

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.

Today,a new generation of guitarists are expanding on the legacy of the three Flamenco Guitar Superstars. One of the most innovative is Santiago Cortez. Combining elements of Jazz,Rock,Pop,Classical,Celtic and World Music,while continuing to respect traditional Flamenco forms. Santiago’s impressive sense of melody is always in the foreground. Never overpowered by his formidable technique. Respecting and expanding on the legacy of the Superstars of Flamenco,Santiago is clearly in the forefront of contemporary Flamenco Guitar Stars..

About the Author

Maya Martinez has a passion for the arts. Particularly Music. She share her interests and discoveries in a variety of media.

Hear Santiago Cortez’s “Flamenco Fusion”, and download a FREE TRACK at :

Santiagos Flamenco Fusion

Bread – Guitar Man (1972)

Mens Nixon Watches Player Watch $199.95 Always stay in the game with this great  Nixon Men’s Player Watch.

Kaenon Polarized Beacon Polarized Sunglasses $193.95 The Kaenon Beacon Polarized Sunglasses are light and comfortable frames for both men and women

Mens Reef Slap II Sandals $39.95 An update of a classic the Men’s Reef Slap II Sandals will give you all of the comfort of the original Slap, but a few added improvements are sure to make this your favorite pair of sandals.

Womens Reef Slap 2 Sandals $39.95 A classic the Men’s Reef Slap 2 Sandals will give you all of the comfort of the original Slap, but a few added improvements are sure to make this your favorite pair of sandals.

Mens Hurley One & Only Boardshort 22 $39.5 Lightweight, super smooth, the Hurley Men’s One & Only Boardshort gives you the style to stand out from the crowd.  This clean simple boardshort will stay in style for years. 

Kids Reef Slap II Sandals $25.95 An update of a classic the Men’s Reef Slap II Sandals will give you all of the comfort of the original Slap, but a few added improvements are sure to make this your favorite pair of sandals.

Mens RayBan RB3379 Sunglasses $144.95 Ray-Ban® men’s sunglasses are a monel navigator with a contoured, rectangular shape and a wrapped fit. Each of the nose pads have the engraved Ray-Ban signature logo as well as an embossed Ray-Ban signature logo on the propionate temples of these sunglasses

Mens Reef Fanning Bottle Opener Sandals $49.95 The Fanning Reef Bottle Opener Sandal is the go-to sandal of men everywhere. Features a soft, comfortable strap that does not require any breaking in, 360 degree heel air bag, and most importantly… a church key located on the outsole for opening your SODA bottles.

Mens Reef Adjustable BYOB Bottle Opener Sandals $51.95 The water friendly Men’s Reef Adjustable BYOB Bottle Opener Sandals pull their weight. Not only do they keep your feet comfy with a molded EVA footbed and neoprene-lined upper, they include a church key bottle opener for cracking open “sodas”.

Mens Olukai Ohana Leather Sandals $84.95 The Olukai Leather Ohana Sandals feature anatomically engineered footbed shapes, to surround your feet with the ultimate in comfort and support. Water resistant and quick drying, the Ohana is ideal for activities in and around the water.  These men’s casual flip-flops are for everyday wear. The full grain antiqued leather straps allow you to dress up these sandals when necessary.

Lost Guitar Heroes Brown Juniors Dress $19.99 You’ll look so hot in this Guitar Heroes dress by Lost, everyone will be fighting for their turn!

Up & Riding Electric Guitar Sandal (Black) $4.8 A great basic sandal for your kids who loses them too often.

Men’s Tretorn Smogensson Suede $53.99 Men’s slip-on sneaker; Suede upper; Gore straps ensure a secure fit; Rubber sole;

Men’s Diesel Skytrack Excurse $77.99 Men’s lace-up sneaker; Leather upper; Lace-up closure; Textile lining; Rubber outsole;

Men’s Keds Booster $75.99 Mark McNairy for Keds Booster oxfords; Men’s casual oxfords; Oiled leather upper; Textile lining; Lace-up closure; Rubber outsole;

Men’s adidas Ciero Lo $54.99 Men’s lace-up sneaker; Material-mix upper for interesting looks; Textile lining; Lace-up closure; Rubber outsole provides traction and durability;

Men’s Simple Gumshoe $43.99 For men’s sizes, please select 1 size up from your normal size (if you wear Men’s size 9, please choose Men’s size 10); Sustainable herringbone hemp upper; Midsoles made of carpet padding for at-home comfort at all times; Made with less than a thimble full of water-based adhesive thanks to a lot of stitching; Recycled PET and latex elastic in heel; Ships in a totally state-of-the-art/back-to-the-future post-consumer recycled box;