Vicente Amigo

by Craig Harris
Vicente Amigo has been called &the natural continuation of Paco De Lucia&. A former child prodigy, Amigo has continued to evolve as a musician and vocalist. In a 1998 interview, Amigo explained, &I believe that flamenco has always been something for adults, not just for children. To understand flamenco, you need maturity. You can learn to play the guitar as a child, you understand the technique. Also, of the singing, you can more or less understand the technique.
 
But, the essence of flamenco is something that requires maturity&. Amigo involvement with music began at a very young age. At the age of five, he studied with influential flamenco guitarist Merenque De Cordoba. By the age of fifteen, Amigo was attracting attention as a protege of Paco Pena. Although he launched his professional career as a member of a band, Manolo Sanlucar, Amigo has performed most of his concerts as a soloist. Amigo has also accompanied numerous vocalists including El Pele and Luis De Cordoba and dancers including Javier La Torre and Israel Galvan. Amigo collaborated with singer Jose Merce on an album, &De Amanacer&.
 
While flamenco remains the foundation of his sound, Amigo has been equally inspired by the jazz of Stanley Jordan, John McLaughlin and Al DiMeola.