First came Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, Ozzy Osbourne, Eagles, ACDC and others I forget. Then it was all flamenco guys for many years: Paco de Lucia, Camaron, Gerardo Nuñez, Vicente Amigo, Pepe y Juan Habichuela, Fosforito, Tomatito, Ramon el Portugues, Rafael Riqueni, Moraito, Manolo Sanlucar, Jose Menese, El Lebrijano, Enrique Morente, Chuscales, Pedro Bacan, Paco del Gastor, Fernanda y Bernarda de Utrera, Juan Talega... Last few years have been mostly Diego del Morao, Montse Cortes, Daniel Mendez (quite recently), El Viejin, Juan Manuel Cañizares, Potito, Diego el Cigala, Arcangel, Miguel Poveda, Mayte Martin, Jose Merce, Jorge Pardo, Remedios Amaya, Tomasa la Macanita, Dorantes, Paco de Lucia (still), Chicuelo, Niña Pastori... and non-flamencos like Oliver Jones, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Buena Vista Social Club, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Piazzolla, Ennio Morricone, Zakir Hussein, Anouar Brahem, Susana Baca, Bach, Agustin Barrios Mangore...
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Check out the full version of some of my tunes on this site. For information on where to get my CD "Buscando mi voz" check out my web-site (for a hard copy) or look in cdbaby.com (for downloads and/or hard copy) and/or itunes (for downloads).
With 25 years of experience under his fingers, Nicolás’ style has evolved into a distinctive, modern “voice” — a fascinating fusion of his flamenco training and his explorative work outside this traditional form. World music tones weave through his composition Raga por Bulerias, an innovative piece based on a scale from the Indian Raga Jhinjhotti. “I like working with other music genres and learning about them. It always feels like I'm learning from scratch again, and I like that feeling of being outside the box,” says Nicolás.
In 1996 Nicolás had become the Music Director for the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company. Today, not only is he an integral musician in their performances, he composes original works for the group, all the while continuing to blend flamenco with other ethnic music styles he discovers in multicultural Toronto. For example, his versatile guitar work added a flamenco flavor to the Toronto Tabla Ensemble on the Juno-nominated CD entitled Firedance, which was released in 1999. A much sought-after flamenco guitarist, Nicolás is often invited to perform live in concert and to teach master workshops throughout Canada and the United States. He has even written flamenco music for a television commercial!
Nicolás’ career has granted him remarkable opportunities to accompany top world music artists such as Juno award winners Kiran Ahluwalia, Sonia Collymore and Jesse Cook. He is currently a touring member of Jesse Cook's band. Nicolás can be heard on Cook's live CD entitled Montreal, as well as on Sonia Collymore's Juno award-winning album WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). He has also accompanied famous international flamenco dancers including Manolete, La Tati, Francisco Mesa "Nano", Antonio Granjero, and Ramon Martinez to name a few.
The title track of his debut album Buscando mi voz is Nicolás’ first full composition. The piece was strongly influenced and inspired by the teachings of renowned master flamenco guitarist Manolo Sanlucar, who supported Nicolás in his quest to “find his voice”.
Hey Nicolas!, I can't wait to hear you and the band play again! I've wanted to catch a live performance for years. It was such an honor to have you listen to me play a few notes. If you guys ever need an extra roadie, I'm there! I'm serious! I hope the rest of the tour is going well.
Cool, we're going to try and be there for the Scottsdale show. Al DiMeola is in February in Scottsdale too so I need to see if I have enough gigs to cover the costs for both shows!
Hi Nicolas!!! I had another Myspace account but it was hacked or something and I couldn't sign back in so I created a new one. Thank you for adding me again! Doing very well, getting ready for a gig tonight. Have to put Ramen Noodles on the table ya know! (Starving musician). Hope you're doing well too! I'll send ya some acrylic nail pictures again one day! Hahahaha! You coming with Jesse to Scottsdale, AZ in Jan?
No, the pleasure was all mine..I will see you guys in Palm Desert..or maybe I have an excuse to go to Canada now..you were beyond an incredible guitarist but a super nice guy too...Enjoy your tour..and check out the pics..they are cute..even the ones from Borders..:) Ciao Bello
Congrats on Winning the Award for "Best Flamenco Album" at Last Week's JPF Music Awards in Nashville! Your Playing is an inspiration, and Your Friendship is a Blessing!
Just a little note to say: You were great yesterday at the Chateau Ste. Michelle. Jesse really needed you and you were such a wonderful support to him. I read a billboard once that said "I'm a success because I hired people who are smarter than myself" and when the going gets tough and the equipment shuts down, those people "Shine"! Cheers! Sheri
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