During a concert particularly awaited by many fans of flamenco and Andalusian music, the guitarist excelled in the interpretation of flamenco compositions and songs, resonating the long history and Andalusian heritage shared between Morocco and Spain.
Accompanied by Antonio Fernández on guitar, Paquito gonzález on percussion, Ewen vernal on bass, Rafael Usero Vilches on vocals and Antonio Molina on dance, Amigo offered music lovers a clever mix of customary and contemporary flamenco.
Amigo’s ability to navigate different colors and styles that resonate with the singers accompanying him allows for unparalleled musical creativity. His mastery of flamenco,his musical audacity and his extraordinary talent have made him one of the most innovative musicians in flamenco music.
Vicente Amigo revolutionized this art with his daring melodies that blend folk, jazz, Latin rhythms and oriental melodies, all without compromising the essence and purity of traditional flamenco.
Over the years, his music has remained open to the world, in perpetual renewal allowing him to collaborate with other geniuses like Paco de Lucía and Manolo Sanlúcar, with singers like Enrique Morente, Carmen Linares, Diego El Cigala, Miguel Poveda , El Pele, José Mercé and Estrella Morente.
Born in the Sevillian town of Guadalcanal in 1967, Vicente Amigo has, as childhood, linked his destiny to the guitar, through which he found a way of life. His musical career began with the release of the albums De mi corazón al aire (1991), Vivencias imaginadas (1995) and Poeta (1997), the latter including lyrics by Rafael Alberti. His notoriety reached its peak in 2000 with Ciudad de las ideas, a work inspired by the poems of the Greek poet Constantin Cavafis.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is held from May 24 to June 1 under the theme “The Quest for the Al-Andalus Spirit”.
How can collaboration with other musicians enhance the flamenco experience, as shared by Vicente Amigo?
Interview with Vicente Amigo: A Journey Through Flamenco and Its Heritage
Editor: Vicente, thank you for joining us today. Your recent concert celebrated the rich history of flamenco and its andalusian roots shared between Spain and morocco. Can you shed light on this connection and its significance in your music?
Vicente Amigo: Thank you for having me. The connection between Spain and Morocco is profound, steeped in centuries of shared culture, especially in music. Flamenco embodies this blend with its intricate rhythms and melodies,which echo the influences from both sides of the Mediterranean. It’s a party of our heritage, and each note pays homage to the past while encouraging innovation.
editor: Your performance showcased a unique blend of traditional and contemporary flamenco. How do you navigate these different styles, and what is your creative process in creating that mix?
Vicente Amigo: My approach is to remain open to new influences while respecting the roots of flamenco. Collaborating with talented musicians like Antonio Fernández and Ewen Vernal allows us to explore exciting new sounds without losing the essence of our art. My creativity thrives on this interplay—combining folk, jazz, and even Latin rhythms with traditional flamenco, which keeps the music fresh and engaging for both the artist and the audience.
Editor: It seems your collaborations with esteemed artists such as paco de Lucía and Miguel Poveda have greatly enriched your musical journey. What insights have you gained from these collaborations, and how can they inspire other musicians?
Vicente Amigo: Every collaboration is a learning experience.Artists like Paco de Lucía pushed the boundaries of flamenco, and working with them taught me the importance of daring to innovate. For up-and-coming musicians, I’d advise them to embrace collaboration—each partnership opens new pathways for creativity and helps keep the art form alive. Flamenco is a living tradition; we must nurture it through dialog and shared understanding.
Editor: Your career has been marked by critical acclaim since the release of your first album in the early ’90s. How do you think the flamenco genre has evolved in recent years, and what do you foresee for its future?
Vicente Amigo: Flamenco is evolving rapidly, especially with the integration of modern technology and diverse musical influences. The newer generation of artists is experimenting with fusion, which is essential for the genre’s survival. As we look towards the future, I see flamenco continuing to adapt while retaining its soulful heart. It’s crucial for artists to respect tradition while boldly exploring new terrains.
Editor: The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music has adopted “The Quest for the Al-Andalus Spirit” as its theme this year. Why do you think events like this are important for preserving the cultural heritage of flamenco?
Vicente Amigo: Festivals like the Fez Festival play a vital role in cultural preservation and exchange. They unite artists and audiences from various backgrounds, showcasing the beauty of our shared heritage. By focusing on themes like the Al-Andalus spirit, we encourage conversations about our interconnected histories and promote appreciation of the art form.It’s a reminder that music transcends boundaries and fosters unity.
Editor: Lastly, for aspiring flamenco musicians, what practical advice would you offer to help them succeed in a competitive industry?
Vicente Amigo: My advice would be to practice relentlessly and remain true to your artistic voice. Immerse yourself in the tradition, learn from masters, and don’t shy away from innovation. Build a network of collaborators and performers who inspire you, as this will enrich your artistry. Most importantly, nurture your passion for flamenco and let it guide you—authenticity is what resonates with audiences.
Editor: Thank you, Vicente Amigo. It has been a pleasure discussing your insights into flamenco and its future.
Vicente Amigo: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to keep the spirit of flamenco alive and thriving!