Ron.M -> RE: Does Paco's Tone Suck? (Jul. 24 2004 20:49:28)
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As you say, Paco's "tone" is distinctive. It's never been subtle as far as all the things I've heard him play. It's always been very much "in your face". The guitar tone is always bright, solid and every note "clean". I think Paco is of another generation, where one doesn't "muffle" one's notes in a display of "unplayable" hiccups and subdued flicks that the modern generation of players use. Not that I don't like that sort of stuff. Very much on the contrary...I do! Paco's early playing is pure virtuosity on the guitar and pure genius in his personal interpretations of compás and harmony. It sounds fairly naive when you listen to it now. But those ideas and virtuosity spawned a couple of generations of young guitarists just at a time when Flamenco was seen (even in Andalucia) as "old folk's music". The guy has every right to be called "The Pope". It's always easier to follow when someone has shown the way first. On Paco's tone. Paco has always said that Flamenco will develop through the rhythmic possibilities rather than the harmonic. So I think he just calls a spade a spade, a note a note, plays them squarely on the head without any "moody" undertones and plays Flamenco guitar the way he sees it. Not that he is any less appreciative of guitarists who play in a more "toney" way. Just some thoughts, Ron
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