Angus Neil, is a Flamenco World / Latin performer based out of Vancouver, Canada. His music has a unique way to combine emotional classical guitar pieces with touching contemporary melodies and infectious grooves associated with the Flamenco and Latin style. His arrangements are personal and earnest, as the elegant simplicity of his playing collides with different influences, including Flamenco, Classical, Afro-Cuban, and Latin music.
I remember when I was a 12 years old my uncle used to sing Guantanamera, a cuban song. He played the guitar and sang with a such a beautiful voice, that it hooked me on Latin music and the guitar.
I begged him to teach me guitar, and he taught me 3 chords, I could’t sing but I played those chords for years, everywhere on the guitar, and believe it or not it gave me great pleasure.
I now realize that the music that WE are creating, is a true reflection of my love for classical music and the south american folk melodies I grew up with.
This music brings me full circle to a very happy time in my life. The love for Flamenco came later, when I heard the burning guitar of Paco De Lucia and the lyrical playing of Paco Pena. Flamenco gave me an incredible sense of rhythm and timing and the gift of accompanying the "Cante" and the dance.
It is so ingrained in me that you can always hear the Flamenco influence in my music. In El Marabino which is based on a traditional Venezuelan melody, the steady Flamenco "palmas" in certain sections.
It is my sincere wish that the music created really "Lifts You Up" and sends you back to a time of joy and peace.
Photographer: Peter Schroeder
Musician: Angus Neil