Contemporary flamenco with definite, traditional connections is what can be expected from the passionate flamenco band Bandaluzia.
The band will play the Adelaide Guitar Festival, a performance that guitarist Damian Wright is looking forward to. “The fact that it is simply a guitar festival that is well respected and draws so many great artists is amazing. I'm a big fan!
"The opportunity to meet a new audience and to be exposed to different artists that we've never met or heard of, it allows for collaborations to happen and you gain such inspiration."
Damian has always had a passion for the guitar, with his father opening the doors to music from across the globe that eventually led him to discover, and later master, the art of playing flamenco music. “It’s a passion; I've had a guitar since I was six-years old. My father was a world music lover, I was exposed to all types of music in the house growing up, everything from Indian and Arabic to classical and flamenco.
“I liked naturally exotic guitar, I heard this in flamenco. There is a mix of Arabic, a sense of harmony, there is a beauty of both classical and rustic; that's what drew me to it."
This first love of flamenco-style guitar stuck with Damian and led him to study the art form in Spain during 2010. This was an experience that greatly shaped him and allowed him the ability to understand the music at a deeper level. "It was amazing; I basically went from going to high school in Newcastle where flamenco was almost impossible to studying it in Spain!
“It was amazing to realise how enormous the artwork is and how huge the task of learning it would be. The realisation of what flamenco actually was, was so exciting and inspiring."
The inspiration and knowledge that Damian gained in Spain has allowed him to mix elements from genres such as jazz with flamenco while still staying true to the art form. "Having the knowledge of how to play correctly means you can branch out and mix in other elements. You don't leave it behind, it's more of a collaboration between sounds and style rather than a juxtaposition.
“Our band is based around the idea of having the traditional environment with the influences of modern music without losing the traditional sound and style."
This unique blend and talents of the band has gained them several awards including Sydney’s Fringe Festival ‘Pick Of The Festival’. The positive response to band is strongly felt by Damian. "It's great! To have an artistic vision that's not based on popular things that works, and on top of that the fact that people want to come."
Their audience is broadening with the shows and collaborations they undertake, although Damian is always aware of respecting flamenco. “With collaborating we have to have a clear vision of what each other can bring to the table. It can be improvised. It has to be rhythmic, full of energy, and even spontaneity which really is an element of flamenco. The collaborations with each individual retains the essence of flamenco while also looking for other sounds."
After the Adelaide Guitar Festival performance, Damian says the future for the band is pretty straight forward. "We want the group to grow and create a platform to express our unique voice; our music keeps true to the source while always searching for new sounds."
Bandaluzia plays the Adelaide Guitar Festival 11 August.
