A short story.......As a young lad, I traveled to Europe, to Spain, in search of Flamenco. Walking those mythical streets for hours, I stumbled upon Calle (Street) Ilustracion #7....the home of Paco de Lucia. I bravely, yet nervously, rang the bell and his lovely mother, Lucia, welcomed and escorted me to where Paco was studying in the back sunroom. With food & drink at hand...a typical Mediterranean custom I knew so very well as a Hellene ( Greek ), we spoke and played what seemed like hours and, at the end, promised that I would arrange a concert for him in Chicago. We bonded immediately then. He offered to teach me in Algeciras ( his summer home ).....yet ,foolishly, I became entangled with a beautiful young lady from South Africa...GRAVE MISTAKE. Paco later on said that he would have stayed with that "Mujer", too ! Before I left Spain, he made me promise a concert in Chicago and I agreed. Years passed, when back in Chicago, I established the Classical & Flamenco Guitar Studies at the Guitar Dept. at the famed "Arlington School of Music", in Arlington Heights, IL. With these credentials, I worked up enough courage to approach famed Impresario Harry Zelzer of Allied Arts Corp at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and, as he quibbled ( money, of course ) with Paco's International Impresario Sol Hurok in New York City, I persuaded both of them to bring Paco de Lucia to Chicago for a gala concert. Zelzer even agreed to bring the fabulous Sabicas (The King of the Flamenco Guitar) also...on the same Guitar Concert Series including the mythical Andres Segovia. I called Sabicas in New York....alas no answer. This proved to be the greatest "Guitar Series" in Chicago's History! I called Paco long distance (no cell phones then) and he told me his agent informed him of his Chicago debut. Paco then told me to grab my guitar and preceded in working with me on "Entre Dos Aguas" as I was holding the phone, glued to my chin...for over an hour. No cell phones then....Ouch! “Que No... Hombre !” "NO NO... La Menor 7 (a minor 7)"...Paco would scream. “No Maldita Sea. JUGAR CORRECTAMENTE....TU MARICON !! ( how rude ). This went on for 30 minutes more until he was satisfied with my results. He arrived in Chicago and, staying at my apartment, we played all night. The next day , we drove to Orchestra Hall on Michigan Ave, and rehearsed there with the sound and lighting engineers. That evening, Paco played flawlessly to the utter shock of the audience...top professional Guitarists from all corners of the United States, Canada and Mexico.....riveted into their seats. They never heard a guitar sound so explosive, so emotional, so flawless technically.... so Espanol...so Gitano! It came time for his last piece..."Entre Dos Aguas" and I walked onto that immortal stage and accompanied him to the never ending screams of the audience... the "Latinos.... y Latinas" …. in dance form... drowning out our performance with perpetual "OLE'S !" That following day, at the airport, Paco asked me to join him on his tour across the Southeastern USA. This is when I was reborn. This is where my career began.....getting to know the intimate Paco, his loves and fears, the secrets of his monstrous technique, phrasing and study habits. Years later, Paco called and informed me of his new affiliation with AL Di Meola and John McLaughlin in their "Friday Night in San Francisco Tour" at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre...a legendary concert hall with perfection in Acoustics. I arrived at that afternoon's rehearsal and noticed Paco's sound was awful...couldn't hear the guitar. Without thinking, I ran back home, retrieved my Sennheiser Mic Paco used at Orchestra Hall, years before, to the utter satisfaction of Paco and the sound engineer...… ( try talking your way out of a speeding ticket with an Illinois State Trooper.) Night came, audience brimming with young eager, guitarists, whether Rockers, Jazz Pros, Country Artists from Nashville or famed Classical guitarists , they were all there waiting to get a glimpse of this......."Paco de Lucia". Lights dimmed to the constant rustling of hungry youth...then...it happened......ALL HELL BROKE LOSE! Well ! ...This "Paco de Lucia" simply exploded with "The Face of An Angel And With The Technique of A Demon" The audience gasped, going wild with hundreds and hundreds of cigarette lighters ablaze in hand, to the sound of "The Holy Three". "Musical History Had Been Made !" The next morning, I drove Paco and John to the airport...said our goodbyes in Hellenic-Hispanic Style...and promised that we would attend each other's funeral who would die first. That was the last time I saw Paco. Sadly, he died first and I angrily realized that my passport had expired, at the last minute. It was too late for me to go. I was incarcerated in my home, shocked and immobile upon hearing of his death.... my life with Paco flashing before my eyes. After all this time, and after these many, many years looking back.... I can only say......"Paco!" "Hermano" "Escuchame !"......"When it is my time to enter the Pearly Gates of Heaven (if I get there, that is) ...I'm bringing that Sennheiser Mic with me......we"ll jam all night”. “The entire Universe will hear you again....LIVE! “ "Esperame, mi Amigo!" “Wait for me, My friend" Memories!
I also travelled to Andalucía this year in search of flamenco. Covered almost the entire region in ten days. Listening to my gut and the flamenco found me! In many places with many beautiful people. And although I don't have as grand of a story, what an adventure, what an experience. This music and learning guitar over the past year has changed my life in ways I couldn't have imagined and the journey to Andalucía was truly magical and one I'll never forget. It will forever inspire me in everything I do. And what a joy to hear your own story. Remarkable, just as the music is. Thankyou for playing a role in bringing this to the world,
Al DiMeola isnt all Flamenco (my limited knowledge). Flamenco has that rhythm and these guys just ego shredding lol. After 30 years of bass, live, studio, etc. I really really miss a band member walking in front of my rig as I drop a "B". They be upset...i only reorganized their guts!!!lmao People ask me what music i like... I like it all. Pantera to Lauryn Hill. Shoulders/neck injuries say i can only listen. Not playing anymore is the worst.
Los vi en vivo!!! En Salt Lake City!!! !982!!! Que experiencia, los reyes!!! le comenzamos a pedir a gritos a Paco "Entre dos aguas", los otros se hicieron a un lado y Paco improvisó. el publico asombrado!!! Uno de los mejores momentos de mi vida! Gracias Paco, donde estés te amo!!!
I don't mean to take anything from the other two, but Paco de Lucia is in a world all by himself where no one can even dare to come close to his greatness. This may sound like I'm being a diehard fanboi, but he is not even my favorite flamenco player, I'm just stating the facts ; this man was made of legends.
I saw all 3 legendary guitarists in concert once. What a memorable night it was! Paco shined even more when he played by himself. May he rest in peace!
I saw these 3 giants in concert in Hong Kong about 15 years ago. I was privileged. I can can still recall feeling the sensations at that time. Nothing compares, nothing. This music makes life a pleasure and justifies why we exist.
Sabooor, arte, feeling, maestría, todo en un instante y lugar, que no se repite. He ahí el valor de un momento. Es irrepetible. Gracias por poder alcanzarlo.
Paco de Lucia's passion and musicality were unmistakable qualities, and this trio was a wonderful collaboration. Paco will be greatly missed. He was very special.
Así se toca la guitarra española, nada de púas. Increíble Paco, nadie NUNCA JAMÁS EN LA HISTORIA ha tocado ni tocará la guitarra como lo has echo tú, Maestro! Descansa en paz
I had an opportunity to see this live during Al Di Meola concert. That was fantastic. Several days I was under the impression. And that was only Al Di Meola. I can imagine what are feeling people during this concert seeing the performance of three guitar giants.
I was in Med. in 1977 when “Elegant Gypsy” hit the streets. It revolutionized how I thought about Latin influenced music. I don’t think one year has gone by since then that I haven’t listened to that album at least for this song. I’m still left breathless after all these years. I had the great fortune to see McLaughlin touring with the Mahavishnu Orchestra back in ‘74…what a night. This performance is in constant rotation in my head. I hope that never changes.
Man, I miss Paco. What a monster player. I can see why most of his contemporaries ridiculed him for playing Jazz and other "non-pure" styles. They were clearly riddled in fear over how much better this guy was than any of them.
Phil Sackett dont worry they were the "purist"of flamenco, even the way he sitted crossing one leg.. now most do it or try to introduce something "new".. he did not care 💔
What I still find remarkable after all these years is the way they leave space for each other. How can yo have that many notes shooting everywhere and not step on anyone's toes. It is an unparalleled master class. Oh by the way it is also soooo sweet
Este show es una demostraciòn de arte sublime, rayano en lo increìble. Es una muestra de tècnica en la ejecuciòn y ductilidad en la digitaciòn de estos tres enormes maestros. Es mùsica de la mas alta calidad, intelectualmente compleja y emocionalmente conmovedora. Es arte en su màxima expresiòn, nada puede superar esto, nada ni nadie, ningùn ser humano en la Tierra volverà a lograr otra vez lo que se oye acà, en este video. Es un alarde de virtuosismo y lo digo con el màximo respeto, ya que ninguno alardeò jamàs de sus inimaginables dotes para tocar una guitarra. Tres hombres que grandiosos con la guitarra siempre han cultivado un perfil bajo, sin histerias, sin renunciar a lo suyo, gustara o no. La humildad de los grandes como siempre se ha dicho, acà es una realidad que devasta los sentidos. Descansa en paz, Paco. Gracias por la mùsica. Gracias desde mi alma
Que oo digo lo escucha mirad lo que ala vista y al oído está Par que explicaciones si más largo el Agua gracias pa on con lo dejaste tu legado los Ángeles te escuchan ahora ADIOS PACO🎸🎤🎸✌️✌️🎸🎸🎸🎸
So healing. I relapsed into depression on Monday and went to see him live and all my pain and depression disappeared. I now can't get this out of my mind. ❤
" R.I.P. ,In Memory Paco de Lucía " My condolences to his family and friends ..... Thank you so much, for your music !!!! Forever, Forever..... Paco de Lucía .....
:'( he was and still is the master no one can top him. So let's smile 😁 I'll put it this way when I first heard this song he was still alive and well. When down just look up the times that made you happy like this
at one point i realize that they knew that no matter what they played they could do no wrong. when my friend kevin and i played this for our senior show all those years ago we had none of the chops, but all the inspiration we needed. the level of mastery displayed here is beyond reach for most, but the ability to appreciate it is universal.
Just beyond playing of all three. John McLaughlin seems to be able to play any style with anyone. And he can play anything. But so could Paco De Lucia and still Al Di Meola. Paco was special. No ways around that. And i really love Al Di Meola's playing. Respect. In these dire times it is good to have these guys as a reminder of what true quality is!
The first time I've seen this and I'm stunned. That this is even possible. I'm truly in awe of these masters. It's like seeing God on guitar. A Trinity indeed.
I saw them live in Los Angeles in 1981....in the begining of the night I was impressed with Al Di Meola....fast runns then John McLoughlin ....then end of the night I worshiped Paco....he was the that his music was telling a story not just fast runs ....John came 2nd...and I never bought any music from Al De again....Paco with just a mic infront him with no amp or special affects blew those two other musicans aaawwwaay!!!! Yes he was still new in jazz then fast forward 10 years he could play any style better the rest.....I am a jazz musician...
I love the recorded versions of this so much, but I always come back to the live performance, because it shows just how harmonious they are with each other. They are genuinely having fun with the song, and you can see them even queueing each other or themselves for the next solo. Plus, the smiling always gets me. They knew they were killing it the whole time and having fun doing it. Fun tidbit: this song is mostly improvisational, save a few transitions and the chorus, intro, and outro. Check out the recorded version too!
I have been into this for centuries already, but I still couldn't imagine how beautiful the dance must be. Praise them all, praise Señor Andres Segovia for these students of his students... Praise Him above for all the beautiful things and for the music!
I am so grateful for stumbling into this trio. Before, I only knew Al Di Meola. After hearing this trio, I broadened my view on jazz and gathered an eclectic taste for the various forms of jazz and flamenco. I also combine some Latin-ish jazz with classical forms of music when I write songs. Thank you for posting this video.
This is what it means to be a true musician. Insane technical and musical proficiency. Masters of their instruments. It's sad that our world is pleased with such simple music and has lost appreciation for true musicians.
Not really, music is still alive, you just have to search the right way. Timelessness by Serdce is some of, if not the best modern music you can listen to, without loosing the technicaity we all love, combined with endless creativity; a masterpiece, no doubt, cheers! 👋
I never once said music is dead. I said that "it's sad that our world is pleased with such simple music and has lost appreciation for true musicians." What I was referring to was the general population that think Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Blink 182, etc. are the pinnacle of musicianship. You think the majority of the world gives a shit about any of these amazing musicians? Absolutely not. You, me, and everyone else watching this video in awe are in the minority. Sad but true.
For me creativity is much more important than technique. Technique alone is meaningless and anyone can learn technique but not all people can create beautiful music.
heavyrules669 Try spending 10- 15 years learning to play to perfection, polishing every note... is the sacrifice really meaningless to those who ache over each single sound?
I am used to listening to mostly Indian classical music, but I was very happy while listening to this video. Why is it that the use of chords here is minimal? Nomally, in western music they use a lot many chords.
Hecho Unico, Jamas se repetira este concierto por los tres mas grande del Mundo. Descansa en paz Paco , Aldi y Mclaughin te hecharan de menos, solo ellos , los mejores podian tocar juntos en esa super calidad. Aqui no habia competencia, aqui habia arte y compenetracion de los mejores.
Such a wonderful trio... And this piece is really good. I first heard their first live LP back circa 1982 or early 1983, and was completely blown away. I wish i could have seen them live together. R.I.P. Paco de Lucia.
Gregorio Revilla "El Grego". Yo tuve la gran suerte de conocer en el año 1970 al maestro de maestros Paco de Lucía en el mesón El Salero, local aquél situado muy cerca de la Gran Vía madrileña. Este mesón estaba regentado por dos grandes aficionados al flamenco, como fueron Serafín y Fernando "El Chungo". A partir de entonces supe que la guitarra española, en manos de Paco de Lucía se convertiría en un sinfín de emociones placenteras. A su memoria le he dedicado estas cuatro letras mal parafraseadas, aunque eso sí, hiriéndome en el alma la desaparición de tan insustituible artista. La guitarra española se ha conmovido en sus sueños. Soñaba todas las noches, enloquecidamente, que las manos de Paco de Lucía la acariciarían eternamente. Sus sueños se desvanecieron al ver que Paco y ella misma, su guitarra, a la vez, e inesperadamente, las dos murieron.
No words (comments) could capture the essence, describe or do justice to the beauteous and supremely exhilarating, sonic perfection to which we were treated by these three masters of the guitar, and the flamenco genre.
EL CIELO BIEN PODÍA ESPERAR POR TÍ PACO..... QUÉ TEMPRANO TE FUISTE A POR BULERÍAS ENTRE LAS NUBES, YA ESTARÁS JUNTO A OTROS GRANDES Y LO PASARÁN DE OSTIAS!!!! NOSOTROS .... MUCHO TE VAMOS A EXTRAÑAR MAESTRO!!!!! DESCANSO ETERNO EN PAZ....
just saw Al De Meola last night in Seattle. awesome. A great jazz club, "Jazz Alley". have seen him many times, going back to RTF. He is better than ever. I was electric Al. Loud, intense, exciting, great band. And let it be said, that as usual, "Al ripped your face off."
Siempre dije que Paco de Lucia nació demasiado pronto. Tenía que haber esperado años para nacer y que inventaran otro instrumento para él . La guitarra siempre se le quedó.... pequeña...Gracias por todos los momentos de placer que vivimos contigo, Paco.
Soberbio, excelso, sublime, no hay palabras que describan esta interacción de 3 grandes virtuosos de la guitarra. Su talento, su pasión , amor, entrega y vocación los ha llevado hasta el lugar que se merecen. Es un deleite para el oído y la imaginación escuchar tan hermosa actuación.
Es precioso. mas estoy convencido que a estos tres maestros los llevas a un teatro y afuera pones un anuncio que diga ENTRADA GRATUITA , muy pocos muchachos entrarian al concierto. cada generación quiere SU musica.
Attended a concert of these three way back in the early 80's, before I new what a truely great guitarist was. A friend of mine that had live in Denver urged me to go because he was a Leo Kottke fan and these guy's played that style. I left that concert in awe of what I had just listened to and had a new definition of what a "Great Guitarist" was.
Good Lord McLaughlin is amazing. I’ve watched this guy play anything and everything with anyone. He can literally jump in and jam with ANYONE any STYLE! One of the all time greats!
I first listened to them in 1982, I just listened again. The tears are running down my face. What majesty, there can never be such as this again. Privilege indeed
The depth and complexity of a full orchestra. These gods of the guitar. Just listen and marvel!!!!!! Must'v been difficult for the cameraman to decide who gets a closeup!
No encuentro palabras para definir este maravilloso concierto de los tres mejores guitarristas del mundo. ¿Que mierda de música nos queda hoy en día?. disfruten del concierto.
El concierto (la version de origen) es maravilloso. Pero... Mejores, mejores... Creo que Paco de Lucia es un de los mejores. Para los otros, no olvidas Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton y los otros ;) Discupla me, hablo español como una... mierda :D
Estas muy equivocado, además mezclas churras con merinas, sin duda Paco de Lucia no era uno de los mejores, ERA EL MEJOR. dale una guitarra española a Hendrix y haber que hubiera hecho. NADA. Solo debes mirar un detalle, en este concierto por ejemplo. mira las manos de cada uno de ellos. Paco de Lucia toca con sus manos, sus dedos, todos sus movimientos son solo obra de sus dedos y uñas. SIN PUA.
Exactamente,lo que tenia Paco era algo como una super faculdad physica y tecnica en cima de que era un génio ! hubiera podido nacer génio sin esas facultades o tambien hubiera podido nacer con esas falcutades tecnica sin ser un génio,pero no,,el nacio con todo! y encima era un gran enamorado del trabajo bien hecho, y un gran perfectionista ,Sus picados lucian como piecas de joyerias ,
puedes enseñarme de algún vídeo de Paco tocando jazz o blues tocando guitarra eléctrica? No hay que mezclar los tornillos con las peras. Cada uno en su terreno fueron los más grandes.
Nicolas Mc Loughlin Man, justamente por colaborar con Al di Meola Paco fue invitado a una gira con Mr. Mclaughlin y Chuck corea, ambos guitarrista y pianista de Jazz respectivamente. De hecho, en su país fue criticado duramente por incorporar Jazz y su estructura en sus composiciones. Y por supuesto tocaba guitarra acústica principalmente; pero también tocaba y componía en piano: y ten por seguro que le daba a la eléctrica, seguramente al estilo de sultan's of swing
When I first heard this, two and a half decades ago, blaring from a dude's cassette-stereo, I asked him what was this cool music. He smiled and said, this is jazz!
This type of play is so beautiful. It is almost supernatural! I wish there was more talent on the airwaves than what there is now that passes for talent! This is talent! Knowing your craft and becoming one with it!
I listen to all music. Alot of heavy metal Slayer, Sepultura, Metallica. This album I first heard when I was sixteen and it made me realize how amateur I was at guitar and how much I had to learn. I always call this album Slayer acoustic. I still listen to it. Incredible guitar playing. Just magic. Huge fan of that style of music. When I hear them play I just put my guitar down and appreciate the brillance of their craft. Its a gift and a blessing.
It speaks to the astonishing greatness of Paco De Lucia that he can make two legendary guitar players look average. They're outstanding. He's just on his own level.
Exactly. My guitar teacher told me a story once when he went on one of their concerts. He said that Al, and John were very good but Paco had that magic touch.
Paco just plays so...effortlessly. John and Al have intense concentration when they launch into their solo sections. But for Paco, it's like he was born playing this. He's committed this to muscle memory.
I once saw him make a mistake. 1985. NY Jazz Fest. Carnegie Hall. Paco y su Grupo. A two and half hour performance that was beyond magical. I still get bumps remembering it. I was backstage after and hoping to meet him. One of the guys in his group said 'oh, Paco's in his dressing room. He made a mistake tonight so he's playing the whole thing over!" Needless to say, I saw/heard NO mistake. But he did. THAT was the artist he was. Talent, passion, commitment. god I miss that!
Paco esta en otro nivel. Incluso al lado de McLaughlin y Di Meola que son dioses. De Lucia es uno con la guitarra, tecnicamente y emocionalmente insuperable.
Paco rules! Why? Because he plays with his fingers. He plays with the same speed, and technical ability. And also... look at his face, he plays with closed eyes, from the heart, brilliant.
The effortless by which this guys play is just That impressive! Dispite the fact people will always have a favorite. For me Paco will always be Master of the Flamenco style but Laughling is also ridiculously good in such a casual way and the precision and speed of Dimeo..wow...they all deserve credit for their skills...what a magnificent piece of music. Salut to all of them
