Francisco Fernández Vargas “Paco Fernández” was born in Triana (Sevilla) in 1967. He grew up in a family of singers, guitar players and dancers.
At the age of eight he began playing the guitar and received his first lessons from Rafael Amador, a member of the “Pata Negra” band. He later continued his apprenticeship with guitar teacher Miguel Pérez (senior).
At the age of twelve, Paco Fernandez officially debuted with his brothers Esperanza and José Fernández at the Álvarez Quintero Theater in Seville, forming the group Pandilla Gitana. The following year, his father Curro Fernández, along with the important representative José Antonio “Pulpon”, had the great idea of forming one of the most recognized flamenco families in the country, “La Familia Fernández”, which toured for eight years throughout America, Europe, Japan, and India.
At a young age, Paco was recruited by guitar maestro Rafael Riqueni as second guitarist in his shows. Later, he participated with guitar virtuoso Gerardo Núñez on a tour of Germany.
In 1992, Paco played guitar in Roció Jurado’s album, “Dos Mundos Cantan”, in the songs “Fandangos de Descubrimiento” and “Del Amor de España”.
In 1995, Paco participated in the song “Bulerias del Olivar” from the album “De Aquí a Ketama” and on the album “Pasión Gitana by dancer Joaquín Cortes “.
In 1996 Paco participated, together with Tomatito on the album by Morenito De Illora. He also accompanied Niña Pastori and Joaquín Cortes dring their tours.
In 1998, he started as a music producer on Carmen Carmona’s album, intervening as musical director, arranger and guitarist of all the songs. At the end of the same year he also produces and plays the guitar on the album “Sueños” by La Chiqui.
In 1999 he produced two albums, “Sueños de Mimbre” by Rocío Ruiz and “Volcán” by the group Varaya; both productions for the OFS discography.
In the year 2001 he participated with his show “Sastipen Tali”, at the Lewes Guitar Festival in Great Britain. Also at the eighth Astaffort Guitar Festival in France.
In 2002 he collaborated as a musical producer and guitarist in the show “Yo misma” by Juana Amaya, participating in the XII Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla. That same year he toured with acclaimed singer and guitarist Raimundo Amador.
In January 2003, he received a platinum record for his song “Teléfono de Mi Casa” from Javi Cantero’s album and that year he also took part in the “Por Derecho” tour with Juana Amaya and Farruquito.
In 2005, Paco released his first solo album “Sastipen Tali.” Paco Fernandez is currently one of the most sought-after guitarists in Spain.
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.
