Flamenco guitarist, composer and educator José Antonio Rodríguez was born in Córdoba on March 28th, 1964. In 1981, he won the First Prize for Flamenco Guitar Concert, at the XXI Festival de Cante de las Minas de la Unión.
In 1982 Rodriguez won First Prize for Flamenco Guitar Concert at the XI National Contest of Flamenco Guitar in Jerez de la Frontera.
In the course of 1984, he obtained the Official title of Flamenco Guitar professor at the High Conservatory of Music in Córdoba. At the age of 20, he was the youngest guitar teacher of flamenco.
During 1986, Jose Antonio Rodríguez won the National Prize “Ramón Montoya” for Flamenco Guitar Concert at the XI National Contest of Flamenco Art in Córdoba. His premiere in Madrid, at Centro Cultural de la Villa, was a great success, where many influential writers, musicians and actors were present.
Over 1987, he premiered his work “Guajira Para Guitarra Flamenca y Orquesta” within the extraordinary concerts on the occasion of “Andalucía Day”.
During 1988, Jose Antonio Rodríguez had an intensive period of concerts in Europe and the Americas. That same year he composed the music for the work “Tiempo De Amor y Muerte” for its premiere in Seville, with choreography of Mario Maya. He had two solo CDs interpreting his own compositions, “Calahorra” and “Callejon De Las Flores”. Some of his compositions were included in CDs released in Europe, such as his “Valls Flamenco” released by Ex Libris Digital Recording.
In 1990, he premiered of his ambitious concert for flamenco guitar “Viento De Libertad”, that featured orchestral arrangements by Joan Albert Amargós.
In the course of 1992, the Bienal de Arte Flamenco “Ciudad de Sevilla” asked him to arrange the composition, orchestration and musical management of the show “Tango”. He took part in the recording of “Sevilla Es Asi” for the inauguration of EXPO 92 in Seville.
Over 1993, he took part in the soundtrack of the film “La Lola Se Va A Los Puertos”, starring Rocío Jurado.
During 1994, he composed “Requiem”, together with Joan Albert Amargós and choreography by Mario Maya, for the world premiere of the Compañía Andaluza De Danza. He also participated in the performance of the show “A Oscuras” together with Enrique Morente and Esperanza Fernández.
Around 1995, he toured with the Cultural Series “Conocer el Flamenco” along with fellow guitarist Manolo Sanlúcar.
Additionally, José Antonio took part in the “Flamenco” film by Carlos Saura. He also participated in the new mixing of the recording “Nochebuena Gitana” accompanying flamenco legends Camarón and Paco de Lucía.
Furthermore, he composed the original music of the work “Retratos En La Memoria” with choreography of Ramón Oller, whose premiere was at the Festival Internacional de Danza in Seville.
In the course of 1996, he premiered the new orchestration of “Viento De Libertad” conducted by Joan Albert Amargós.
Over 1997, he composed the work “El Jaleo” by request of Centro Andaluz De Danza with choreography by María Pages and Fernando Romero.
During 1998, he premiered his recording work “Manhattan De La Frontera” at Bienal De Arte Flamenco De Sevilla.
In 2016, he released an independently produced album titled “Adiós Muchachos” (2016). It features many guests, including one track where he invited some of the finest guitarists in Spain.
Discography
* Calahorra (1984)
* Callejón De Las Flores (1988)
* Manhattan De La Frontera (1999)
* La Leyenda (2003)
* Córdoba… en el tiempo (2007)
* Anartista (2012)
* Adios Muchachos (2016)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.