Rafael

UPDATE
Hi, look around, lots of new pics and videos to see. New lessons and summer school coming up so look at blog for details. I will keep you up to date in my blog section so pls have a look. For any concerts, functions, workshops, lessons etc pls drop me an email here or at rafa(at)flamencoguitarist(dot)com . And now for the official stuff below...
Brief Biog
Rafael has created a unique yet instantly recognizable sound. Moving flamenco in to a new exciting era he has combined gypsy soul and energy with the earthiness of Andalucian chant to create a unique and modern direction for this eternal music while remaining true to Spanish gypsy roots stretching back hundreds of years. Following a fine line between innovation and tradition, he has drawn on his experiences from performing in Spain, Britain, Egypt, Singapore, Qatar, France, Russia, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, Thailand, Hungary, Germany etc where he has played with some of the greatest folk, jazz and classical musicians. Whilst other guitarists have followed the conventions of the past or moved outside and away from flamenco, Rafael has pushed the boundaries of this passionate art form to reinvent it for a new generation. Spain’s "El País" newspaper hailed his ability to "play with the soul of a gypsy".
Over the years he has recorded for many artists including Bond girl and pop diva Grace Jones and has recorded endless library music for television and radio. In recent years, he has collaborated in concert with the Instituto Cervantes who promote Spanish culture abroad and with Tamara Rojo, principal dancer of the Royal Ballet, participated at a press conference/lecture for the media in London in presenting “Spanish artists in Britain”. Rafael has appeared on numerous radio and television broadcasts including Radio Nacional de España, BBC and the BBC World Service, ITV, Granada Television (with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), Sky, CYBC Rik 1, Channel 6, Egyptian National Television, RTVE Spanish Television and has performed in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
A few examples of Rafael's work appear in the best selling “Guitar” book by Richard Chapman published by Dorling Kindersley and The New Complete Guitarist. Having made a major contribution to the chapters on flamenco, all the music in these chapters are by Rafael. The “Guitar” book forward is by Eric Clapton and the book features from Paco de Lucia and Django Reinhardt to B.B. King and Jimmy Page. The book “Duende” by Jason Webster dedicated his acclaimed best seller to Rafael “For Rafa, and the duende moments with him that inspired me” the book is based on Rafael’s life and stories living wth gypsies which was subsequently revealed in the press. The documentary “Madrid, at the forefront” was released on television and is now for sale on DVD in Spain by in which all the compositions are by Rafael. In appreciation, Amalio Burguet luthier built a signatory model “Rafael” flamenco guitar dedicated to the guitarist for him to perform his concerts and recordings. Rafael has featured in the television drama Midsomer Murders performing on screen at a Spanish fiesta and appeared on television with the celebrated journalist Alan Whicker. He recently recorded the guitar music to the BBC2 Natural World programme on Spain with Michael Portillo. Rafael composed the music and performed for the launch of the Duende DSP processor by Solid State Logic, world leaders in recording desks. Peter Gabriel the co-owner of SSL, who commissioned the piece, turned up to listen and meet Rafael in Germany. He is also busy doing sessions, writing pieces and has helped artists in the pop/rock world with guitar advice including his friend Ed O'Brien from Radiohead. He is a very versatile musician having just finished a mini European tour performing as a soloist in Bizet's Opera Carmen with singers from the Royal Opera House.
Rafael began to play the guitar at the age of nine in Madrid under the tuition of Luis Adame (one of the great Carmen Amaya’s guitarists). He is now one of the leading guitarists of his generation and in Spain has performed with amongst others, such distinguished artists as Juan Castro "Peti" (three times winner of Festival Cante de las Minas), Martin Vargas, former choreographer of the Ballet Nacional de España, the award winning singer Miquel Gil and toured extensively with Salpicao (winner of II Edición Nacional de Encuentros de Folk). He has performed concerts and workshops from London to Cairo and from Madrid to Rome and appeared at festivals alongside artists such as Paco de Lucia and Cristina Hoyos.
An experienced and dynamic teacher having performed workshops and master classes all over the world. He is keen to share his knowledge with classical, jazz, rock, contemporary and folk guitarists alike, taking part in International Summer Schools for Guitarists, Conservatoires and music schools. Rafael has also been commissioned to write music for films and television, a series of documentaries on Spain and a new flamenco guitar method for students. He is based between Oxford and Madrid where he combines performing with his teaching at the Faculty of Music, Oxford University.
What the Press say : -
"…fiery and passionate" (The Telegraph, UK)
"...plays with the soul of a gypsy" (El País, Spain)
"...an excellent instrumentalist" (Hoja del Lunes, Spain)
"...in concert is a pleasure that must be repeated" (El Turia, Spain)
"...exudes rhythmic vitality and intense emotions" (La Gazetta, Italy)