Rafael's Projects
Going deaf (see below), having recovered his hearing and with the effect that had on his professional life, Rafael is back with new compositions, new ideas and new energy to move forward. Rafael, together with his lifelong journey as a flamenco is returning to his teenage passion of electronic music of the 'new romantic' era. Incorporating digital and analogue synthesizers but always respectful of the traditions, structures and rhythms of flamenco. He is challenging this ancient art form, finding a new way for him and flamenco, taking his music and the traditional art of flamenco in an exciting direction.
Watch this space! |
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Background
Born to Anglo Spanish parents, Rafael grew up in Spain, educated at a British school in Madrid. He is bilingual (he also speaks fluent French, Italian), bicultural and understands the demands and work environments of both countries very well. It puts him in a unique position to be able to share the authenticity of flamenco and able to see it from his unique perspective. Rafael is different to other flamenco guitarists, he is much more than just a guitarist. He is a musician able to view things from the outside and put his own stamp and individuality in to his own music. Rafael is a performer with almost 40 years experience. From the beginning of his career in Spain accompanying dancers and singers he then toured with innovating flamenco group Salpicao. From then he toured for years in Spain, Hungary, France, UK, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Thailand, Singapore, Cyprus etc. He has performed at festivals, concert halls and venues all over the world. 
Influences Rafael's music is influenced by many factors. Sources of inspiration such as Paco de Lucia, Kraftwerk, Bach or from Batak folk music of northern Sumatra to Led Zeppelin and Manuel de Falla continue to excite him on a daily basis. His influences are so diverse and true to a person that has not only grown up in two countries but has travelled most of the world too. Rafael finds common ground and inspiration in all of these musical cultures but also in people or architecture. Mezquita, one of Rafael's first compositions is based on the building of the same name in Córdoba, his mother's birthplace. A unique building built originally as a mosque but once the Catholic Kings reconquered Spain, a Christian altar was erected in the middle. Rafael's music captures the essence of this in its harmony and rhythm. For Rafael, a piece of music is not simply a series of notes one after another. Each composition has a story to it, a mood and a place. That is what separates Rafael from other flamenco musicians perhaps, his individuality, composition and mood. |
Hearing and deafness - A new musical life
Rafael was diagnosed with Otosclerosis. This is a rare condition that causes progressive hearing loss. Having lost most of his hearing in both ears, Rafael discovered a ground breaking operation that was to change his life. Faced with lifelong deafness, having retired from performing and barely being able to communicate, Rafael was operated on both ears at The Royal ENT Hospital in London. The procedure called a 'stapedectomy' involves replacing the stapes (the smallest bone in the body) with a prosthetic implant. For Rafael, this was life changing. He describes recovering his hearing loss as 'it was like permanently being in a dark room and suddenly having a light switched on'. An emotional journey that for sure has made his love for music and sound even greater than before. This is the same rare condition that Beethoven had, though unfortunately Beethoven didn't have access to the same technology. Rafael was the first flamenco guitarist to use CIEMs (custom in ear monitors) to enable him to hear everything he needs in a live situation on stage. Rafael has researched in depth about ear protection and in ear monitoring and has been kindly helped by ACS Custom to return to performing professionally with their Ambient Series. 
Teaching and quotes
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