Flamenco/Blues (questions for both)

Who are some really good flamenco players? I'm looking for dark, depressive sounding flamenco...not the happy "Barcelona Nights" stuff. I've heard a couple songs I liked from the Gypsy Kings but I'm still lookin' for more stuff. Maybe like the stuff on the movie Desperado.

Also I'm lookin for the same mood but in Blues playing. Just really emotional blues played through the guitar and no singing. There can be singing but I'm lookin for guitar. Just real "pour your heart and soul into it" lead blues playing. I've heard Gary Moore but I'm lookin' for better.

For the Blues portion of your question, listen to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Especially, Lenny. Such emotion and feeling!!! You will love it.

Tim

I second Stevie Ray for blues. He's awesome. Also check out Albert Collins, Albert King, and B.B. King.

Tony Rice has some bluegrass-style blues in some songs (like "Jerusalem Ridge" off the "Church Street Blues" album

For some non-guitar oriented blues, check out Charlie Parker's album "Charlie Parker Plays The Blues", Duke Ellington's songs: "Memphis Blues", "Beale Street Blues", some good harmonica blues can be found in listening to Lightnin' Slim's albums "I'm Evil" and "Rooster Blues". Muddy Waters plays some good old school blues.

I personally love blues played on the piano. Players like Memphis Slim (esp. his album "Alone With My Friends"), Sunnyland Slim, Dr. John, Professor Longhair (New Orleans style blues), Otis Spann, Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins, and Fats Domino.

That should keep you busy for a while in the Blues section.

For flamenco, I'm not as familiar with the style... the only flamenco players I really know are Paco de Lucia and Al DiMeola. They're both top-notch, though. I think Paco sounds more Spanish if that's what you're looking for. Hope this helps!

[edit: just fixing a couple typos]

Roy Buchannan, Melvin Taylor, Buddy Guy, Danny Gatton

all very emotionaly driven blues masters, Melvin is by far one of the greatest players ever

Flamenco i'm not really sure about, Al DiMeola was very flamenco influenced

Do a web search on Preston Shannon, he plays BB kings club in Memphis, real good blues and excellent guitar work.

What exactly is Flamenco? Is it anything like Gilberts 'Flamengo'? (lol I notice the similarities in the names) If so, is there reference anywhere on this site as to how the strumming in this style is accomplished? The solo bit is all good and well and up for personal interpretation but that strumming part, that'd make for a decent party trick.

Try listening to Paco de Lucia, he has made some, well, they're
not happy, but dark and depressive? Well you hear for yourself.
Oh , listen to "Asturias", a song he's made.

Originally posted by signsofchaos
Who are some really good flamenco players?

NOW THIS IS MY FIELD!!!! You can call me Mr. Flamenco. As far as a flamenco guitarist . . . Juan Serrano KILLS everyone one in site. If you get a chance, make him on your list for flamenco artists.

Though LOVE blues too. SRV is great but check out some of B.B.'s old albums for some dark stuff.

Originally posted by alucard0941
. As far as a flamenco guitarist . . . Juan Serrano KILLS everyone one in site.

No Way, Paco de Lucia is the man.....lightyears beyond everyone else!

No really man, have you heard Juan Serrano? He is kinda unknown but in the flamenco world, he's acclaimed by everyone. Even Paco de Lucia. Paco is great but check out Juan. His rasqueado sounds like 2 or 3 people are playing. Don't make me even get started on tremolo.

I've heard only 1 cd by Juan Serrano ( I forget the title).
When he was playing solo he sounded pretty good, but when he was playing with an accompiniast he sounded very rigid and unrelaxed. I would have to hear more of his stuff to make a sound judgement, but I can tell he comes nowhere near Paco. Pacos' rasguedo and tremelo's are amazing...he has the tightest tremelo I've ever heard, and he crescendos/descrendos with ease. Lets' not even mention Picado or Alzupau!

Tomatito is pretty good, but again no Paco.

I like Juan Martin a lot. Incredible legato and feel, he can play the simpliest thing and really make you feel it.

BTW...just saw Paco 2 weeks ago in concert...can you say AMAZING!!AMAZING!!

Yeah, Juan Martin is really good. I have is tab book and it rocks.

juan Martins 6 part series instructional video is really good also. He's a good teacher as well as player.

Where you from, Alucard?

Im from Sugarland, TX. ( if you dont know what im talking about, . . . then im from Houston)

You?

Ahh man, I thought you were going to tell me you were from Spain or something.

Me....Philadelphia

Is there much of a Flamenco scene down there? or did George Bush run everybody with a nylon string guitar out of his state.

Originally posted by chris mood
Ahh man, I thought you were going to tell me you were from Spain or something.

Me....Philadelphia

Is there much of a Flamenco scene down there? or did George Bush run everybody with a nylon string guitar out of his state.

LMAO, shoot I wish I did live in Spain. No there is no scene of flamenco down there. Again . . . i wish. Shoot, I would not mind to rub a little flamenco on his country red neck butt.

This will surprise you but im only 14, you?

yay i love in houston texas too :-p

Are you from Houston?

IF you are, im guessin your an SRV fan too :)

dark Blues ?

Try Roy Buchanan's "The Mesiah Will Come", or anything by Jimmy Thackery - in fact get Jimmy's "True Stories" CD, which has his cover of Mesiah on it!