The music of Casta Alma is a fusion of jazz and flamenco called Flamjazz. Flamjazz combines the heart and soul of jazz and the fiery rhythms of flamenco in a kaleidoscope of musical engagement sure to impress any audience. Among the pieces in the repertoire are passionate flamenco guitar compositions by Khan and well-known Spanish/Latin-jazz melodies such as Malaguena and Mediterranean Sundance.
Musicians
- Saudiq Khan: guitar
- Robert Davids: percussion
- Gasant Adams: guitar
- Carina Bruwer: flute
- Max Starke: bass
- Joseph Avergel: percussion
- Oliver Schenk: drums
- Greg Georgiades: Oud on 'Ami Padre'
Saudiq Khan (Flamenco Guitar)
Hails from Cape Town, South Africa, and lived in District Six as a child where he experienced the Cape Culture to the full. At an early age he was inspired by Flamenco guitar music and determined to find a way to learn the music he loved. He studied with a local Flamenco Guitarist and paid his own way by leaving school when he was 15 years old to help support his family who were thrown out of District Six.
In 1989 had the opportunity to travel to Spain to experience the true culture in the heart of the Flamenco world in Seville. During his stay of 9 months he studied under various Flamenco Aficionados, learning as much as he could from their techniques and music.
On his return to South Africa, he became involved with various Spanish Bands and Flamenco Dance Groups, performing all over the country. Saudiq became well known for his fiery Flamenco touch. In 1992 he started his own Flamenco Guitar School to promote Flamenco Guitar playing amongst local enthusiasts. Great guitarists like Paco de Lucia, Rafael Riqueni and Carlos Bonell provided Saudiq with inspiration to compose locally.
A soloist of note, Saudiq has amazed South African audiences with his flamenco rhythms and original compositions. He models his playing on his hero of the acoustic guitar - Maestro Paco de Lucia.
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