Flamenco has captivated countless musicians, from classical experts to jazz icons, developing as an art form with their influence. Today, flamenco showcases all kinds of musical movements, yet still it retains its very Spanish, very Gypsy, and very passionate character.



Flamenco today varies in style. Two of the most common styles are what are called the traditional way and the modern way. The difference is marked; the traditional way being the voice of purists who believe in maintaining flamenco as it has been performed throughout history. The purists oppose the innovation that is the signature of those who wish the music to evolve in the modern way.

However, in both styles, flamenco demonstrates how far it has come from the "cafés cantantes" that were so popular in the late 1800s. Since then, singers, guitarists and dances have advanced their skill and technique. The guitarists were the first to increase their repertoire with falsetas: incredibly complex and fast movements that are now characteristic flamenco.

1930 saw the recording of the first flamenco guitar, a success that would go on to have a huge impact on the art. The artist was Sabicas. Sabicas's work was a synthesis of classical and flamenco guitar and the triumph of the album meant the flamenco audience grew massively, as, in turn, did the art form. Through his international popularity and his incredible skill, Sabicas went on to teach and influence many of the flamenco guitarists alive today.

Sabicas, true to the collaborative nature of flamenco, did not work alone. He was accompanied by Carmen Amaya, the female dancer who also grew to great fame. Performing alongside Amaya, almost as if they were different expressions of the same entity, Sabicas is credited as contributing the drive for perfection in flamenco. This drive has always been present in flamenco, but Sabicas cemented and celebrated this pursuit to the point of discouraging any form of innovation unless it could be performed without fault. Thus, Sabicas installed flamenco at the internationally renound level that jazz and classical music occupied.

No longer alive, in the wake of Sabicas lives a rich legacy. One of today's most celebrated flamenco guitarists is Paco de Lucía. Lucía's playing is very similar to jazz. He is a member of the evolutionists; with his genius and breathtaking technical perfection, he brings innovation after innovation to the form. Yet he too does not owe his success solely to his own skill, he met the singer José Monje Cruz, or simply Camarón, and together they transformed flamenco, awing millions with their skill and intensity.

Indeed, Camarón moved so many people with his music that his death in 1992 was mourned in Spain as if he were royalty. Recorder of almost 20 albums, he was the king of flamenco, a hero of folk. Camarón did not only work with Paco de Lucía, but also with 'Tomatito'. Tomatito is a part of the young flamenco breed. This new breed, “flamenco joven”, is a style born from Paco de Lucía, bringing to the flamenco floor innovation after innovation and an ongoing, heartfelt passion.

As to the future of flamenco, who knows? Today the fusion of genres such as jazz, salsa, bossa nova, and ethnic sounds make flamenco a cross-breed and introduce many new instruments to the art. Yet, still pervasive are the purists, continuing to refuse these changes and perform the art in the traditional way.

Words do not do flamenco justice. Experience the soul-stirring passion for yourself. Come to Seville .

Seville is one of the best places in the world to witness flamenco. One of the hearts of flamenco, today the art is on display in Seville almost constantly. The shows vary from the touristy “tablaos” (which consist of big professional casts), to the more intimate and “authentic” performances. Many guide books warn against the tablaos as “tourist traps”, but the performers are so skilled and the art of flamenco such a feast for the senses and soul that you may adore it. El Tablao Flamenco Los Gallos is a good choice for a tabloa and La Carbonería for an intimate affair. At La Carboneria you may even be treated to spontaneous flamenco struck up by customers (Thu nights).