Our contemporary Flamenco music is supported by it’s musical ancestor/innovators. The three most valuable to merit this divergence are Ramon Montoya, Sabicas, and Nino Ricardo. Born in a family of gypsy cattle ranchers in 1880, Ramon Montoya is accredited with glorifying the Flamenco Guitar to prominent status. Although like many guitarists after him Montoya began his career accompanying singers and dancers, he ultimately began performing solo. As a result ending the guitar’s purely accompanying role. Ironically, it was Montoya’s nephew - Carlos Montoya - who was mainly 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 locating 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 gave him no recommendation. 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 leader in his own right - Sabicas - noted particularly for his perfect 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 main force in presenting Solo Flamenco outside of Spain. Said to have wonderful 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 places for the child prodigy - Nino Ricardo. Celebrated as the best player of his day, Ricardo made a large contribution to the expansion of the Flamenco Guitar. Many of his elaborate and rhythmically rare compositions were arranged during his “bar wars” years. Nino had an exclusiveent playing style and tone, due to upward curving fingernails. Regrettably, liver failure claimed Nino Ricardo at the ae of 68.
Of the many brilliant guitarists who have inherited the traditions of Flamencos’ “Founding Fathers” - one of the most striking is Santiago Cortez. Not on behalf of blazing runs or other technical “flash” - but for his particular capacity to respect tradition while innovating. And more distinctly, for his eclectic taste as a composer and performer. Santiago seamlessly unites elements of Jazz, Rock, Pop, Classical, Folk, Celtic, Reggae and World music, into impressive compositions that are immediately familiar, but never secondhand. With his unique “Flamenco Fusion”, Santiago is commemorating and expanding the legacy of the Montoyas, Sabicas, and Nino Ricardo.