The brilliant flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia contributed some groundbreaking performances and albums that stimulated the fusion of jazz and flamenco. Friday Night in San Francisco, a live trio recording with John McLaughlin and Al DiMeola, is a fine example of that. This musician was born as Francisco Sanchez Gomez in Algeciras, Spain hails from a very musical family. Flamenco runs through the veins of both his father Antonio Sanchez and his brothers Ramon and Pepe. In an early stage it became clear that young Paco was destined to become a musician; he received his first lessons when he was five years old. He was swift to comprehend the art of flamenco guitar and he developed his talent in various competitions and as a member of a dance group. A meeting with flamenco guitarist Sabicas, who urged him to explore beyond traditional flamenco, proved to be of groundbreaking importance. In addition to albums with El Camaron de La Isla, he recorded with Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell and Al Di Meola. With his sextet he’s been modeling his style to perfection.
