Flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo has "duende," that mysterious Iberian quality similar to "soul" that inspires the most passionate expressions of Spanish culture. This week he brings it to Tokyo for two performances accompanied by fellow flamenco musicians and dancers from Spain, along with backing from the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.
Amigo gained great recognition as a child prodigy and in his early years as a sideman on essential flamenco recordings. Still, he has matured considerably. Rather than embracing the "flamenco nuevo" label of guitarists such as the recently popular Tomatito, Amigo has kept his influences selectively well-chosen. His guitar style falls between the rough authenticity of Paco de Lucia and the romanticism of Ottmar Liebert.
Although on his solo releases he has played in a traditional flamenco style, he has mixed in bass, drums and keyboards for many songs. His most recent CD, "Cuidad de las Ideas," has a lighter sound than aficionados may search for, but the blend of flamenco technique with elements of jazz and folk song forms creates a moving, emotional whole.