Guitarist and composer Agustín Carbonell Serrano, better known as Bola, was born in Madrid in 1967. He is a leading musician in contemporary flamenco. El Bola was born within a family of celebrated flamenco artists. Both maternal and paternal sides of the family were part of two of the great artistic gypsy lineages of Spain. His great-uncle was the influential and iconic guitarist Sabicas.
Bola has become a top concert player as well as an essential guitarist to complement singing and dancing, accompanying the greatest Flamenco performers.
A great expert of tradition, he was always attracted to new forms, without wandering far from his flamenco roots, with deep respect, dedication and in-depth knowledge of flamenco traditions. He created a modern and innovative concept in Flamenco by incorporating jazz.
Agustin is also the author of several superb albums praised by national and international jazz and flamenco critics. “Bola” was the first solo album. Released by Karonte in 1989, it would subsequently be distributed in more than 40 countries by the German Messidor label.
Next, Bola released “Vuelo Flamenco” (Karonte, 1996). The album featured top world music and flamenco musicians, including Ruben Dantas, Javier Colina, Pedro Ojesto, Pancho Amat (Cuba), Luis Dulzaides, and members of Ketama and La Barbería.
In 2007, Bola released “Desvaríos” (RTVE Music), accompanied by flamenco jazz pioneer Jorge Pardo.
In 2010 he recorded his flamenco dance and music show “Rojo y Rosa música y baile del nuevo flamenco” (Karonte 2011).
In 2015, Bola published his first book. It was a biography dedicated to the great guitar master Don Ramón Montoya. (Madrid 1897-1949). Under the title, “El sueño de Don Ramón Montoya” (Don Ramón Montoya’s dream), the project also included a companion CD with Bola performing Don Ramón Montoya’s music.
In 2018, Bola won the prestigious International Flamenco Guitar Award: “El Bordón Minero”at the LVIII Festival Concurso Cantes de Las Minas de la Unión.
[headline image: Agustín Carbonell “Bola” – Photo by Paco Manzano]
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.