Gerardo Nunez - Travesia (2012)

Jazz was one of Gerardo Núñez s early musical affections. He was entranced by the music of, amongst others, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, played by a US airbase radio station close to his Andalusian home town Jerez de la Frontera. In his youth the aspiring flamenco guitarist stayed true to the tradition of his music, while performing together with famous singers and dancers. However, when he was together with his friends, he was free to combine all sorts of musical inspirations. For purists this is an absolute no-go they are in favour of purity in flamenco but, despite these traditionalists, Gerardo Núñez is nowadays considered the most important virtuoso innovator of flamenco after the great Paco de Lucia. Travesía is a further proof of his border-crossing musical way of thinking. Pop, funk, jazz and Latin freshen Gerardo Núñez s flamenco, which he combines with extraordinary technique and great passion. On this recording, his wife, the famous dancer Carmen Cortéz (for whom he has written some songs), and his daughter Isabel, join in with their hands and feet by clapping and tapping. Also featured are prestigious jazz musicians including the saxophonist Perico Sambeat, the pianist Albert Sanz as well as the legendary percussionists Cepillo , who coproduced the album. Their common venture is la travesía , the crossing; whereas the Africans sail across the Mediterranean Sea to their new home, these musicians are crossing borders in music.


Tracklist:

1. Ítaca
2. No Ha Podio Ser
3. Compás Interior
4. Chicken Dog
5. Tio Pepe
6. A Rumbo
7. Tio Perico
8. Travesia