Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion
On Turtle Dreams (2019), Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion deliver a Flamenco and Latin American guitar amalgalm, combining fiery flamenco with other global musical genres, such as tango and Latin American rhythms.
The band includes Miguel Espinoza on guitar; Lynn Baker on saxophone; Dianne Betkowski on cello; Randy Hoepker on bass; Andy Skellenger on tabla and cajon.
Duo Beija-Flor
Montreal-based Duo Beija-Flor examines the Spanish and Portuguese influence on classical music with the album Costas (Big Round Records, 2018). Charles Hobson (guitar) and Marie-Noelle Choquette (flute) form a highly expressive, versatile duo.
Costas contains 22 tracks of what has been described as ethno-classical that include versions of Astor Piazzolla’s music, traditional Spanish folk songs, Sephardic Songs, and movie soundtracks.
Occasionally, experimental elements are allowed in and incorporated into the flow of the album, such as the temporary, modernist dissonance in “Boulevard San Jorge” or the jazz harmonies in “Havana Street Parade.”
Camille Nelson
Camille Nelson is a masterful fingerstyle guitarist with classical music roots. Her album Lead Me Home (2-17, Stone Angel Music) includes hymns played on the guitar, accompanied by her brother, Steven Sharp Nelson, Ryan Shupe and Alex Sharpe.
Branko Galoić and Francisco Cordovil
Guitarists Branko Galoić (Croatia) and Francisco Cordovil (Portugal) perform a fascinating fusion of Balkan and Iberian music styles on the album One with the Wind (2017).
Soler Family, Pedro Soler and Gaspar Claus
The album Al Viento (2016) presents French flamenco guitarist Pedro Soler, who has Spanish roots, and his son, cellist Gaspar Claus. Soler is best known as a flamenco guitarist, while his son has been pursuing avant-garde music projects. Al Viento combines flamenco with experimental sounds.
Pedro Soler and Gaspar Claus recorded an earlier album titled Barlande. At the time, Gaspar indicated that he belongs to a generation that has seen distances rapidly diminish, and different cultures mix to form a new musical landscape. “I do not feel that I belong exclusively to any specific tradition, rather I am proud to think that I may be participating in blurring the lines between musical genres,” said Gaspar about the project.
Terceto Kali
Terceto Kali is an American trio deeply influenced by flamenco. Their self-titled album, Terceto Kali (2016) includes an amalgamation of Flamenco, Latin American music, Jazz and other influences. The group is led by Jason McGuire “El Rubio.”
Bettina Flater
Madrid-based Norwegian guitarist Bettina Flater dedicates her album Women en Mi (WeM Records, 2012) to her female role models. Every song on the album is dedicated to a woman and her story, including Somali human rights activist Waris Dirie who escaped forced marriage at the age of 11, became a world famous model and dedicates her life to fight against female circumcision; and deaf-blind American writer, lecturer and activist Helen Keller.
Bettina Flater is also a talented singer. She combines flamenco with other genres.
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.