Lliam Christy - Guitarra Flamenca

Lliam Christy
Guitarra Flamenca

SUB: Fiery Spanish music and dance right here in River City!

Guitarist Lliam Christy is the musical director of St. Louis’ Los Flamencos, and “Guitarra Flamenca” showcases his expert skills – ranging from the fast and fiery to mournful and romantic. The technical dexterity required for flamenco’s lightning-quick runs, percussive slaps and dual melody lines is daunting, and Christy does it all with aplomb. An accomplished guitarist and composer across many genres, Christy’s formal music education came courtesy of Webster University, and in recent years he has furthered his studies with renowned guitarists in Spain.

The music on “Guitarra Flamenca” is so evocative of the region of its origin that it’s impossible to not be taken to another land while listening. You’ll find yourself thinking of stone courtyards, café tables and twirling skirts. “Guitarra Flamenca” exhibits flash and bravado on tracks like “Cordoba” and a slow, pastoral feel on “Recuerdos de la Alhambra”. My favorite track -- “Rumba de Azul” -- conjures slow travels through dusty countryside.

Most folks may equate flamenco music with the Gipsy Kings. And while that’s not entirely incorrect, some flamenco purists may scoff at that group’s popular approach and perhaps their French home (their ancestors fled Spain during the Spanish Civil War). The roots of flamenco go back centuries and have global reach but are generally centered on Andalusia, the southern-most region of Spain. Developing at this crossroads between Europe and Africa, flamenco is built upon a collision of diverse and rich cultural influences -- gypsy, Arab, Moor, Jew. And flamenco is not merely music. While guitar is central, flamenco is an art form that includes dance, rhythmic hand clapping and foot stomping and singing. It is also multi-faceted with dozens of different forms, known as palos. Obviously, there’s a lot to be learned about flamenco.

And learn you can! Along with dance director Beth Haney, Christy manages Los Flamencos, perhaps St. Louis’ only dedicated flamenco organization, and they provide a great many opportunities for private and classroom instruction. Los Flamencos was formed by two guitarists in 1997 to promote the art form here and Christy became music director in recent years. Christy and Haney and guests perform regularly in St. Louis at concert venues, workshops and private events. You can also catch them most Mondays at Modesto on The Hill and periodically at Mirasol in University City. Find out more and purchase “Guitarra Flamenca” at www.los-flamencos.com. (Note the hyphen.)