R.I.P. Paco de Lucia

[amoergosum]

R.I.P. Paco de Lucia

The legend...one of the greatest guitarists ever.

[Morgenthaler]

At 66, that's a damn shame.

[amoergosum]

Al Di Meola via Facebook >>>

Al Di Meola
My dear friend has passed and we will never forget his important legacy ! My years with Paco were amazing and unforgettable!
I will miss him terribly:((
RIP Paco

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=728941153818040

[Avi_drums]

Horrible, tragic news. We met him briefly in July 2011 when he was travelling the coastal area with his family, and headlining the Jazz Festival the following day. He was knowledgeable about salmon fishing in the area, and very approachable.

[Paul Marangoni]

That is terrible news. Way too young.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/27/arts/ ... at-66.html

[amoergosum]

Al Di Meola:

Date: 26.02.2014

‘This morning I received shocking news before the international news became aware that my dear friend and major guitar innovator Paco De Lucia had passed away. His manager called me immediately and the shock for me was incredibly devastating as Paco and I had an incredible history and warm friendship that I will always cherish! Paco de Lucia was viewed in my mind and the world of flamenco as the most important of the newer generations of guitarists embodying the most advanced flamenco approach the world had ever known. While I was part of Chick Corea's Return to Forever at 19 years of age we toured Spain and it was there that the buzz about him prompted my research by buying several recordings of his. It was then I saw the potential of our collaborating one day.His technique far surpassed any other in that realm of flamenco type players and I envisioned an amazing collaboration between us! That day happened in 1977 and we made history with" Mediterranean Sundance" . This recording Elegant Gypsy and the trio recording after that " Friday Night in San Francisco " sold a combined astounding 7 million copies, as we were the first guitarists to ever attempt such an endeavor. His influence was major and the legions of followers in that world are for sure quite many, however it was the courage of Paco to break the mold and venture into a more unconventional (for flamenco players) harmonically challenging highly inter playable duet role. He was ready for a challenge that was deemed risky in those days where most all other flamenco guitarists would never have the guts to go. As a result the success was astounding with crowds of between 5,000 to 10,000 people per night as we added John McLaughlin to form the "Guitar Trio"! The challenging unconventional mix that started with my inviting him when I was 22 (he was almost 28) to New York City to record on my second solo recording "Elegant Gypsy" at Jimi Hendrix's studio - "Electric Lady" with the duet song "Mediterranean Sundance" became the equivalent of a major pop hit around the world constantly played on the radio everywhere which was unheard of in non vocal music up to that point in music history. I remain so sad and will forever miss him but will remember our thousands of great memories and musical camaraderie. RIP my dear friend!’

Al Di Meola

Carlos Santana:

The Maestro King of Gypsy Flamenco Music is in heaven NOW
Paco de Lucia
I love you with all my heart
Rascale en el cielo

John McLaughlin:

“Paco was a real man. Real in the sense of true; to himself, to his music and to everyone else.

“A man in that he was passionate, but had true compassion and deep understanding of the human condition. All this was revealed in his music and in his marvelous guitar playing. To have worked and played music with him is one the greatest blessings in my life. To say I will miss him is an understatement. In the place where he lived in my heart, there is now an emptiness that will stay with me till I join him.”

[Matus]

He was from my hometown and somehow we all feel close to him because it was very easy to be related in some way. I mean, my mom is friends with his nephew and I know people who played with him. Everyone was devastated when the news broke, I heard it on the radio at 9am and couldn't believe it. We were all in tears while having lunch watching the news coverage on TV. He was truly loved everywhere and will always be loved and remembered. We're in such a debt with him.
He'll be here in Madrid until 6pm and then will travel to our birthplace to rest with his parents. As far as I'm concerned, there are a lot of legends in music but only the true giants like him can make everyone agree in one big feeling of loss.

[langmick]

It has been a long time since I was moved to tears by music...

There is so much more. Amazing players playing impossible parts. And what, the US can produce Katy Perry? What the fuck.

This just kills me all over, mind and body.



Rod Mo is a monster player. Just thought of him recently.



This is just sick.



I dunno man, he is so musical it's crazy.



Yeah man.



And Joe Walsh in 2013.



That might be the best rock song I've ever heard. It has everything. Classic.

[amoergosum]

"Paco de Lucia arrives in Algeciras for the last time."
>>>



Source:
http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/p ... t-10134433

[Matus]

Wish I was there. Yesterday it was a holiday (Andalucia day, actually), so it was massive when he got there by 12. It's a fairly small church so you can imagine the chaos.
A friend of mine suggested we should make Feb 26th a local celebration where all musicians fill the streets with playing in his honour. It's the least we should do.