JUAN DEL GASTOR was born into one of the most revered families in the history of Flamenco. Juan’s uncle, the legendary guitarist, Diego del Gastor, was the creator of a highly personal style which fused with the traditional style of his town, Morón de la Frontera, to create a school of flamenco guitar playing which is now world renowned. Another uncle,  Joselero, was a great singer of the ‘Solea’ (a deep song) and the ‘Bulerias' - festive songs that have been passed down through the family. His father sang, his mother played the guitar, his cousins dance and sing and play the guitar.

 

Juan grew up immersed in the traditional gypsy flamenco culture. His extended family all lived together and at night a large fire was lit in the patio and the adults and children would gather around. Music, song and dance would ease the pain of hunger. The children were encouraged to sing and dance  and Juan, as a child, would listen to some of the greatest singers of the time as he fell asleep at night.

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When he was old enough to hold a guitar he would sit besides his uncle Diego and learn the art of accompanying singers such as Manolito de Maria, Juan Talega, Fernanda de Utrera and Joselero and listen to their conversations into the early hours as the oral tradition was passed on to yet another generation.

 

With such a unique education Juan developed a profound respect for flamenco singing which has made him, today, into an encyclopedias of this art form. He understands the guitar more as an accompanying instrument for the ‘cante‘ -singing- rather than as a solo instrument.

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Juan has a fine voice developed over the years by singing in private ‘fiestas’. He has also performed  as a singer with various touring flamenco companies and audiences in the USA, Japan, Argentina, France and Germany have enjoyed his ‘buen cante'.

Juan loves to sing and dance in the gypsy style of his home town. His spontaneity and contagious good humor have sparked many an impromptu fiesta which has lasted into the early hours.

 

Throughout his artistic career, Juan has taught classes in the guitar accompaniment to singing and dance and in the art of flamenco singing. He believes the authentic art of flamenco is the integration of the singing, the dance and the guitar to create a harmonious whole.

 

Students from all over the world visit him in his studio in Seville and he regularly travels to teach workshops and has given lecture demonstrations in various educational institutes both in Spain and abroad.

 

Juan del Gastor has rightly earned the title of ‘Maestro'.

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