| Are there any? Absolutely! Although we generally | | | | Rollins. A native of North Carolina, now living in San |
| think of "Guitar Heroes" as being from the World | | | | Francisco. The Chilean born Oscar Lopez, now |
| of Rock, like Hendrix, Beck and Clapton, there is a | | | | living in Canada.Thrilling audiences with his rhythm |
| innovative "crop" of new musicians creating "music | | | | and passion. For some reasons, maybe just |
| from the soul to open the heart." | | | | coincidence, Canda seems to be a magnet for the |
| Obviously, these new guitar heroes, are inspired | | | | new crop of Flamenco Heroes. For in addition to |
| by, and built on the legacies of those who have | | | | Oscar Lopez, it is in Toronto that the Trindadian |
| gone before. The most prominent and influential in | | | | born flamenco virtuoso Migeul de la Bastide is |
| modern times was Ramon Montoya. Although he | | | | based. Another "Canadian Connection" is Guitarist |
| is best remembered as the Uncle of the | | | | Jesse Cook. Born in Paris to Canadian parents,and |
| trail-blazing Flamenco guitarist, Carlos Montoya, it | | | | now,like his other Canadian "musical brothers" |
| was, in fact, Ramon who did the "trail blazing" and | | | | based in Canada, Jesse spent his formative years |
| Carlos who followed,expanding his Uncle's | | | | in the Camargue region of France. Where he was |
| accomplishment. That accomplishment, was a | | | | influenced by the local gypsy music. Particularly |
| major one. | | | | that of guitarist Manitas de Plata,(his next door |
| Elevating Flamenco Music from it's strictly | | | | neighbour) and Nicholas Reyes,lead singer of the |
| accompanying role, to a foreground one. Carlos | | | | Gypsy Kings. |
| then proceeded to popularize Flamenco music by | | | | Of all the new Spanish guitar heroes,perhaps the |
| virtually constant world touring in the 20's through | | | | one who most effortlessly combines elements of |
| the 50's. Incorporating also Jazz,Folk, Blues and | | | | all the styles of the other guitarists mentioned, is |
| Classical influences into his traditional Flamenco. | | | | Santiago Cortez. One is immediately struck by |
| The "Flamenco torch" was then passed to the | | | | both the quality and the variety of his |
| remarkable Paco de Lucia. Who, like Ramon and | | | | compositions. He is a purist. In the sense that |
| Carlos Montoya, began his professional career | | | | each idiom, each influence, is respected and |
| accompanying Flamenco dancers and singers. | | | | honored in the context of the composition. His |
| Subsequently, Paco developed, and continues, a | | | | flawless technique and genuine gift for melody, |
| career as a Flamenco innovator. Both solo and | | | | always letting it lead the listener's ear, ensures a |
| with his group. And, like Carlos,Paco's compositions | | | | unique musical experience every time. While |
| reflect his interest in a wide variety of musical | | | | Santiagos music is accessible and familiar, it is |
| styles. | | | | never derivative.His amalgam of musical styles |
| Inspired by, and building on the traditions of the | | | | and influences is seamless and unconscious. The |
| Montoyas and Paco, today's Spanish guitar heros | | | | hallmark of a professional at the top of his game. |
| are blazing new music frontiers, yet again. The | | | | Spanish guitar heroes? Here's five to enjoy! |
| technically dazzling, but always soulful Lawson | | | | |