Our present Flamenco music is supported by it’s musical ancestor/innovators. The three most valuable to merit this characteristic are Ramon Montoya, Sabicas, and Nino Ricardo. Born to a family of gypsy cattle ranchers in 1880, Ramon Montoya is accredited with erecting the Flamenco Guitar to cutting-edge status. Although like many guitarists after him Montoya started his career accompanying singers and dancers, he later began performing solo. As a result ending the guitar’s purely accompanying role. Ironically, it was Montoya’s nephew – Carlos Montoya – who was largely accountable for focusing International attention on the solo Flamenco Guitar. From the 20’s through the 50’s he composed and performed in nearly every country. Even filling the Houston Astrodome! And establishing himself in New York. Today it’s Carlos – not Ramon – who is the most famous Montoya. Curiously, Ramon didn’t agree with his nephews style, and presented him no assistance. Thus Carlos Montoya’s first guitar instructor was the local barber. But Ramon Montoya retains the distinction of being Flamenco Guitar’s first solo performer.
Influenced by Ramon Montoya, but an amazing modernizer in his own right – Sabicas – noted particularly for his dependable rhythm, mixed extensively with Male singers.(Cantaores) Leaving Spain in 1936 with the outbreak of civil war, Sabicas toured South America with the dancer, Carmen Amaya. Sabicas, like Carlos Montoya, was a key force in presenting Solo Flamenco outside of Spain. Said to have exact pitch, Sabicas impressed with blazing picados (runs), fast arpeggios, and high quality compositions. The late Guitar great Chet Atkins once commented in an interview: “The best technique around has got to be Sabicas, the Flamenco player.”
Seville’s bars and taverns were the first concert venues for the child prodigy – Nino Ricardo. Known as the best player of his day, Ricardo made a noteworthy contribution to the change of the Flamenco Guitar. Many of his elaborate and rhythmically impressive compositions were arranged during his “bar wars” years. Nino had an exclusiveent playing style and tone, due to upward curving fingernails. Unfortunately, liver failure claimed Nino Ricardo at the ae of 68.
Of the many great guitarists who have inherited the traditions of Flamencos’ “Founding Fathers” – one of the most significant is Santiago Cortez. Not on behalf of blazing runs or other technical “flash” – but for his different knack to respect tradition while innovating. And more specifically, for his eclectic taste as a composer and performer. Santiago seamlessly mixes elements of Jazz, Rock, Pop, Classical, Folk, Celtic, Reggae and World music, into amazing compositions that are immediately familiar, but never secondhand. With his unique “Flamenco Fusion”, Santiago is appreciating and expanding the legacy of the Montoyas, Sabicas, and Nino Ricardo.
