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Posts: 100
Joined: Aug. 1 2013
From: Abita Springs, Louisiana
Flamenco Explained
Hi everyone....I've been registered on the foro for a few years but not too active. This year I'm dedicating to developing some basic flamenco playing skills and I'm truly enjoying the journey at this late stage in life (58).
I'm working with a local instructor in developing my basic skills - left and right hand, rasqueados exercises, thumb drills, lots of metronome work. We're using the Juan Martin book and I love it for multiple reasons.
I recently picked up "Flamenco Explained" by Kai Narezo & Scott Wolf. At first glance it looks as if it is loaded with some excellent material and will be a good resource once I make it through the Martin method book.
You might want to give it a look if your interested in a method resource. My humble "two cents"!
I never worked on the Juan Martin book, but I just looked in the sheet music cabinet and found it. I remember thumbing through it in a store where I happened upon a passage I particularly appreciated. It's on page 31. I quote it for the benefit of the Foro membership:
"It is vitally important not to expose the nails to the drying action of detergents and soaps. Washing-up is out of the question. Even the use of rubber gloves can cause trouble."
So, if the question of dish washing arises, here you have an authoritative reference.
Paul, we're using the original Martin book, El Arte Flamenco de la Guitarra. I'm quite impressed with how the material is presented and explained...
I was able to order an original, published in 1978...in brand new condition with the cd.
Richard, my father was an accomplished general surgeon and a very talented pianist. Not sure he would have of approved of the washing guideline on page 31!
That remark about washing-up seems to have been removed for the second (2017) edition - must have been considered too sexist for today's guitar students!
That remark about washing-up seems to have been removed for the second (2017) edition - must have been considered too sexist for today's guitar students!
Why too sexist; more like too 'insane' :-) Or were you assuming that all flamenco students are men?
That remark about washing-up seems to have been removed for the second (2017) edition - must have been considered too sexist for today's guitar students!
Of course my post was tongue in cheek. I am the least sexist 80-year old male Texan you will ever encounter.
Hi Fred - I really like the book and like others it has helped me a lot. But...cd? 1978? Maybe I'll check my Hildegard von Bingen mixtape, I'm worried now.
Hi Fred - I really like the book and like others it has helped me a lot. But...cd? 1978? Maybe I'll check my Hildegard von Bingen mixtape, I'm worried now.
Lol...careful El Burdo!! I graduated from high school in 1977 and cds weren't commercially released until 1982. We have two small boom-box type cd players around our house that work well for my Juan Martin flamenco studies and the cd samples are massively helpful for learning exercises, etc. What really helps is using the Juan Martin book in conjunction with instructor lessons.
I was able to order an original, published in 1978...in brand new condition with the cd.
I merely meant this. I've got the book too and mine came with a cassette tape. As you say, there were no cds in 78. Now, I'm worried about my Sappho LP!!! (etc.)
I’m sure it’s good, Kai is in Spain pretty regularly and has played shows along side Jerónimo Maya in Spain. And Jesus is the real deal, Probably my favorite singer that lives in the U.S. I’d take the online lessons but I’m lucky enough to take live lessons from them and other amazing artists here in LA.
Hey, just wanted to say that I got the book and have been very pleased with it and the accompanying videos online. It reminds me of a more modern version of the Gerhard Graf Martinez books. Very happy to have taken your recommendation on Kai.
Just picked up the book. I'm working through the first Solea section and it is very nicely laid out, goes over some nice compas variations and a few falsetas. Kai has made video examples of these on his website which is also very nice to reference. Looking forward to more of the book. His website is nice and has a ton of free videos. I might subscribe eventually and decide after working through the book. I would say this book would not be good for a complete beginner as it does not teach left or right hand techniques.
Greetings All, I take private lessons from Kai in the Los Angeles area of Southern California. Having taken a few lessons from other working musicians in the Los Angeles area I would say he is an awesome teacher, one of the best in my area. He currently is in Spain at the moment. He will be adding more content for Flamenco Explained online. He also works with Guitar Salon International as well, showcasing the many fine instruments for sale.
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