He is called one of Spain’s finest flamenco guitarists-composers of his generation and his resume backs that claim in spades.
When Jose Antonio Rodriguez was in his 20s, he became the youngest flamenco guitar professor at the Conservatory of Music in Cordoba, and his immense skills led to composing music for orchestra, ballet, TV and films.
The Spanish musician can now add Boulevard Music to his list when he performs from 8 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22 at 4316 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. Tickets are $20.
Prior to Rodriguez’s performance on Saturday, he will lead a flamenco workshop from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The workshop is “suitable for guitarists who play other styles and are interested in learning flamenco first-hand, or those who know some flamenco and want to refine their technique.” The cost is $40.
Rodriguez has performed and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Paco de Lucia, Chick Corea, Al Di Meola, Astor Piazzola, Joan Baez, George Benson, Arturo Sandoval, John McLaughlin, Rita Moreno, Herman Rarebell (Scorpions), Don Dokken, Bobby Kimball (TOTO) and John Parr.
Recently, this talented guitarist spent some time with the NEWS.
As with many musicians, his introduction to music came at an early age. And his professional career followed sooner than with most.
“I started playing guitar at a very young age. Actually my parents just reminded me that I started when I was 7 years old, although my real fondness for the guitar was at 10,” Rodriguez said. “By then, I already knew that music was my life, so I started learning music and composing my first songs.
By age 17, Rodriguez’s guitar teacher encouraged him to enter a National Flamenco guitar competition. He won first prize.
“That was the beginning of my professional life in music,” he said.
Rodriguez said his musical influences include mainly flamenco guitarists, such as Paco de Lucia, Serranito and Manolo Sanlucar (“the most talented generation of Spanish guitarists”), but was also inspired by classical composers such as Debussy, Mahler, Berlioz, Satie; and rock bands such as Scorpions, Toto and Dokken.
“All these different musical influences made a huge impact on myself and gave me a much wider vision as a musician,” he said.
“I belong to the culture of flamenco, but I always had an interest in music and culture from all over the world. I was born in Córdoba, a city in Andalusia, southern Spain, where Romans, Christians, Jews, Phoenicians, and Muslims, all lived together. The mix of different musical styles, traditions, and cultural backgrounds taught me to perceive music in a different manner,” Rodriguez explained.
During the 1990s, Rodriguez was featured in Carlos Saura’s film “Flamenco,” and recorded guitar on countless multi-awarded international hits, including “Macarena” by Los Del Rio.
In 2003, he recorded guitar on Alejandro Sanz’ mega-hit “No Es Lo Mismo” and in 2004, Rodríguez toured as a special guest for the international superstar, according to Boulevard Music’s promotional article on the Spanish guitarist.
Relocating to Los Angeles almost two years ago, Rodriguez said he longed to experience and expand his music repertoire.
“Where do I start…? he said with a laugh. “The way of living is so different, and I can assure every experience in Los Angeles is nurturing each one of my compositions. I think the caliber of the music industry and the multiculturalism of this city makes it the perfect home for any artist.”
His more recent music has been some of his most inspired and memorable, Rodriguez said.
“The premiere of my work for guitar and orchestra “El Guitarrista Azul” and my recent concert at Catalina Jazz Club with my dear and admired musician friends Abraham Laboriel and Luis Conte, have both been the most rewarding gigs I have experienced,” he said.
Rodriguez has released 9 albums. His most recent album is “Adios Muchachos,” released in July 2019.
Rodriguez said of his last album, “the response of people has given me satisfaction. I am currently working on my new album, and it will be released in 2020.”
Acclaimed for his powerful and evocative renditions of contemporary flamenco, La Sonata published Rodriguez’s prolific work in a master series of books and DVDs in order to preserve flamenco music.
This will be his first visit to Boulevard Music.
“I am thrilled to perform there for the first time on Feb. 22,” Rodriguez said. “The connection was through my manager Cristina Abaroa.
And I am delighted to be able to bring my music to this emblematic venue.”
As for what the audience can expect Saturday night, he chuckled and paused…
“Well, you can expect anything,” Rodriguez said with a laugh. “I like the ‘surprise factor’ when performing in front of a new audience. I love sharing some musical time together, and make them feel joy, create a thought, provoke a laugh, or even cry… the point is to evoke emotional feelings to the audience.”
Looking ahead, he said traveling and recording his next album will fill his calendar.
“My plan for 2020 is to continue with my tour “Adiós Muchachos…,” Rodriguez said, adding “In the summer, I will be traveling to Europe to participate in several guitar festivals. And of course, to plan the release of my 10th album which is a very special one because it was composed and recorded in Los Angeles and in different cities in Spain.”
Tickets can be purchased by phone at 310-398-2583 using a major credit card. Remaining tickets can also be purchased at Boulevard Music when the doors open at 7:30 p.m.