The concept of shredding -- that is, achieving an enlightened and evolved state of being via guitar -- is almost exclusively discussed in the context of metal.
You have the righteously soloing heavy metal axeman, the frenetic yet intricate tech-grind guitar nerd, the lumbering stoner behemoth. In their own way and according to the traditions of their respective sub-scenes, each of these monsters force the listener to become one with the riff.
But what if we told you about a dude who could toast every wannabe-Iommi from here to the Hard Rock Casino?
This mean mo'fucker's name is Paco de Lucía. He plays some straight-up nasty Flamenco guitar. And he has come to shred.
Born Francisco Sánchez Gómez, this Spanish virtuoso was born into a deeply musical family with numerous decorated Flamenco veterans, including Gómez's guitar-playing father.
Since the early 60s, de Lucía has forged and vigorously maintained a legacy as not only one of the greatest Flamenco players, but one of the world's finest guitarists ever. As shown in the above clip from 1972, his mastery includes not only the technical feats of the highly-emotive Andalusian style, but also the keen-ear and intuitive mysticism of a true improviser. Plus, we extra-appreciate his opting for getting his bros to pound their fists on the table for percussion.
Assuming the roof doesn't get blown off in the first minute of the set, Paco de Lucía will be performing at the Fillmore Miami Beach this April. And all those in attendance will finally truly understand the ancient gnostic proverb that proclaims "There's no business like shred business."
Paco de Lucía. Thursday, April 5. Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. The shredding starts at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $25 to $100 plus fees via livenation.com. Call 305-673-7300 or visit fillmoremb.com.
Follow Crossfade on Facebook and Twitter @Crossfade_SFL.
