Hailing from the vibrant southern city of Algeciras, Cádiz (Spain), José María Bandera Sánchez, an exceptional guitarist, has cemented his place as a flamenco guitar virtuoso. Born in 1960 into a lineage of flamenco artists, he began his musical journey at a tender age of ten, guided by the expert hands of his grandfather, Antonio Sánchez. From those early beginnings, Bandera’s talent blossomed, and he quickly found himself collaborating with revered flamenco luminaries in his beloved homeland.
In 1985, the magnetic pull of Madrid’s thriving flamenco scene compelled Bandera to settle there, seeking a deeper connection with the robust flamenco scene in Spain’s capital. It was during this transformative period that he graced the legendary stage of the Tablao “Los Canasteros,” sharing the limelight with luminaries such as José Soto “Sorderita,” the bewitching La Macanita, La Tolea, and Juan Ramírez, among a constellation of other stellar performers.
His remarkable talent caught the attention of the prestigious National Ballet of Spain (B.N.E.). For thirteen years, Bandera dazzled audiences with his exceptional artistry, delivering breathtaking performances of classical works intertwined with his innovative collaborations with guitar giants such as Manolo Sanlúcar, Isidro Muñoz, and Vicente Amigo. His artistic genius didn’t stop at performing; he fearlessly ventured into composition, bestowing upon the B.N.E. awe-inspiring musical pieces like “A Ritmo y a Compás,” an enchanting dance opus choreographed by Currillo, and “Grito,” a soul-stirring creation for the mesmerizing Antonio Canales.
Bandera shared the stage with Lola Greco, Merche Esmeralda, Antonio Canales, José Antonio, Joaquín Cortes, Javier Latorre, and Eva “Yerbabuena.”
In 1989, the legendary Paco de Lucía recognized Bandera’s prodigious talent, inviting him to participate in the groundbreaking show “Solo, Dúo, Trío,” a symphony of three guitars. Joined by Paco and Juan Manuel Cañizares, they embarked on a transcendent tour, traversing the globe, performing over two hundred concerts over three transformative years. Amidst this whirlwind, Bandera’s creative spirit continued to flow, as he composed additional music for the National Ballet.
In 1996, Bandera embarked on a tour with Carmen Linares with the show “La Parrala,” accompanied by Juan Carlos Romero.
From 1999 until 2001, Bandera became an indispensable member of the Paco de Lucía Septet, a musical ensemble that had already welcomed his prodigious talent for several years.
In 2002, Bandera composed the music for the groundbreaking show “Contrabandistas” by choreographer David Morales. Premiering at the Bienal de Sevilla, this creation intertwined the raw emotions of flamenco with Morales’ innovative choreography. The same year, he graced the Biennial stage once again, interpreting and premiering Manolo Sanlúcar’s work “Mariana Pineda,” with choreography by acclaimed dancer Sara Baras.
Bandera became the musical director of Baras’ famed company, a role he fulfilled until 2010. During this unforgettable era, he composed and performed music for an array of shows, including “Sabores,” “Carmen,” “Esencia,” and the groundbreaking fusion show “Baras-Carreras,” a marriage of music, opera, and flamenco, featuring the legendary José Carreras alongside Sara Baras.
In 2010, Bandera joined forces with the brilliant progressive rock and jazz guitarist Tito Alcedo, birthing the show “In Between Jazz and Flamenco.”
Bandera’s collaborations include the following recordings: Potito – Andando Por Los Caminos; El Pele – Avante Claro; SalMarina – Filigranas; Paco De Lucía – Siroco, Concierto De Aranjuez; Duquende – Samaruco; Tito Alcedo – Agüita Salá; Kiko Veneno – La Familia Pollo; Jorge Pardo – Mira; and Nono Garcia – Atún y Chocolate.
In 2024 Diego Amador and José María Bandera released, Paqueando, a superb tribute to the legendary Paco de Lucía,
Discography:
Paqueando (Toque Records, 2024)
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.
Updated biography and discography.