Guitar master and composer Niño Josele recently released “Galaxias,” an album where he collaborated with major jazz and salsa stars. “Galaxias” is a musical feast that displays his diverse passions. At its core lies the beating heart of flamenco, but the maestro’s love for jazz, Latin beats, and world music has resulted in a unique fusion. Niño pushes the boundaries of traditional flamenco by adding the soulful strains of jazz intertwined with fiery salsa rhythms.
Niño Josele spoke with World music Central about his career and the new recording.
When did you first start working professionally in the music industry, and how did it come about?
I started playing the guitar at the age of 6 and at 8, I got on stage with my father. I come from a family where everyone is dedicated to music. My father played the guitar, my uncles sang and since then I haven’t stopped playing the guitar, that’s where my great adventure began until now.
What do you think are the fundamental elements of your musical style?
I think the base is my roots, I come from flamenco. I come from flamenco roots, but with total freedom to learn other music. Likewise, I am very intuitive, I think that when you know your music deeply you are free to play all the music in the world, flamenco, jazz, classical.
How has your musical expression evolved over the years?
If you master the technique and master the instrument, you move on to another phase, which is to express, and then you compose music, and you realize that you have the freedom to express and play other music. And it is essential to absorb the sounds from other musicians like Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Sabicas, Paco de Lucía. I have learned to constantly learn and unlearn. Every day I discover new things. When you are with other musicians, and you go on stage with them, you realize that you don’t really know anything.
For a long time, you have collaborated with jazz musicians. What attracts you to jazz?
I am attracted to their way of feeling free in music, their versatility to improvise. I feel very comfortable with them, and above all I am attracted to the fact that it is a music that is always in constant movement, it is always creating. You can play the same piece and everyone can always do things differently. And about the musicians who are all very open musicians, very intellectual and have a great capacity for the instrument with great dynamics and sensitivity.
What does the title of your new album, Galaxias mean?
It means many things; it is the result of my musical adventure from my beginnings until today, in which there are many Galaxies. My way of seeing flamenco much more open is reflected. For example, the title piece “Galaxias” intertwines Chick Corea’s Moog synthesizer with flamenco guitar, and it is done in such a natural way, that it meshes; and is so perfect that it is very universal to the ear. And one very important thing is that the works on “Galaxias” are compositions with structure, which until now was very difficult to find in a flamenco record; which had to do with order, in which each instrument had its defined function, and this album has it.
Chick Corea participates in your album Galaxias. How did you meet Chick Corea?
I have always listened to my teacher and friend Chick since I was little. I have always listened to all his records, he was so flamenco! He loved flamenco music. He said he had his Spanish heart, and he made it clear with his recordings, including ‘My Spanish Heart.’
I met him personally in 2008/2009 when he called me to make a recording in New York, a tribute to Miles Davis. I remember that after the recording we went to eat, and we had a connection from the first moment, and we always maintained our friendship.
When he came to Madrid he always called me to see us and I participated in his last album “Antidote,” with which we did several concerts. Being on stage with him and sharing time with him has been a valuable gift that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
What other musicians appear in Galaxias?
The great Rubén Blades appears in “No pasa nada.” Rubén has given everything in this song, he has provided lyrics and voice with mastery and a moving heart. For me, it has been an immense gift.
There is Luisito Quintero, an impressive percussionist; Edmar Castañeda, a virtuoso on the harp; the great Jorge Pardo who is my friend and teacher, I grew up with his music. Rosario La Tremendita who was tremendous; percussionist Ané Carrasco; and my son José Heredia who has helped me a lot in the production.
What kind of guitar do you use now?
Guitarists are very maniacal about the instrument; we always like a guitar that suits us well. To record I use various guitars, white or black depending on the type of piece. The strings are also very important, and I like them to have tension. Currently, I’m playing one in particular, a negra (the name negra, meaning black, derives from the dark rosewood used for the back and sides) guitar by Vicente Carrillo, in concert.
Have you used more than one guitar in Galaxias?
I have used 3 types of guitar. For singing, I have used more white guitars made of cypress wood. For example, for the song “No pasa nada,” I used a very special old guitar made of river wood. I have also used another made of black rosewood. Overall, the measure is essential to me. I play with long measures, I think it measures 172.
Do you play any other string instrument?
I play the mandolin, the bouzouki, and the lute. I like to play the percussion and the piano. I have also tried the double bass.
Who makes your guitars?
The guitars I play belong to Vicente Carrillo, a great luthier.
Do you keep or collect your guitars?
I do keep them, it’s really hard for me to get rid of them, I have about 30-odd guitars, but actually I normally play two or three.
Do you give classes or workshops?
For now, I have not developed that aspect. I occupy my time composing and playing live, but everything comes and I would love it.
Which guitarists of the new generations in Spain deserve the attention of flamenco guitar lovers?
They all play very well. One of the phrases my father taught me is that you have to listen to everything, good and less good, because you learn from everything. And luckily right now flamenco is in good health and there are very good guitarists.
If you could bring together the musicians or groups that fascinate you the most to record an album or collaborate live, who would you call?
I’ve always wanted to do a trio album with Cristian McBride and Brian Blade. I love Steve Vai, Hiromi, Dhafer Yousef, the Yellowjackets. I like Coldplay I would love to do something with them, with BTS (Bangtan Boys).
What other projects are you working on?
First, take my album “Galaxias” live to several countries. I also have a very special recording that makes me very excited, with a singer-songwriter that I greatly admire. Another recording with a musician, who is also a singer and a friend of mine for a long time; it will be a luxury to do it. And I have a very nice project pending with my dear Fernando Trueba.
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More about Niño Josele
Read a review of Galaxias: Niño Josele in Stellar Conversation with Jazz and Salsa Icons
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.