There’s an extraordinary new cross-cultural musical ensemble in town that is causing quite a buzz. It is called “The Juani de la Isla Quartet,” founded by the highly acclaimed flamenco guitarist Juani de la Isla.
This globe-spanning array of top-notch musicians features the genius flamenco guitar of Spanish-born Juani de la Isla, the virtuosic musical skill of Latin jazz pianist/violinist Dr. Mariano Morales from Puerto Rico, the incisive playing of Cuban-born bassist Yosmel Montijo, and the soulful voice of flamenco singer Adrian Cabeza from southern Spain. The quartet is sometimes joined by celebrated flamenco dancer and palmera Valeria Montes, born in Mexico, and artistic director of Casa Flamenca in Albuquerque, NM.
It has been the aim of these world-class musicians to explore the fusion of rhythmic and melodic junctures between flamenco, Latin music and Latin jazz in the compositions and virtuosic improvisations of their genre-spanning performances.
Highly praised in Spain as a flamenco accompanist and soloist, Juani de la Isla has recorded over 150 albums with artists world-wide.
In the spring of 2019 “The Juani de la Isla Quartet” will be premiering their aptly titled debut album “Libertad en Mis Manos” (Freedom in My Hands). Selections from this album will form part of the group’s 2019 repertoire.