Jorge Pardo

by Craig HarrisNot to be confused by the Cuba-born and American-based architect, Jorge Pardo is one of flamenco's most innovative instrumentalists. Known for his fluid and relaxed approach to the flute and tenor and soprano saxophones, Pardo has been one of the leaders of the "new flamenco" movement. A longtime member of the Paco de Lucia Sextet, Pardo has continued to explore the possibilities of his wind instruments as a soloist. While flamenco remains the foundation for his music, Pardo has developed a unique sound by incorporating elements of jazz and Carbbean and Afro-Cuban rhythms. His album, 10 De Paco, recorded with Cadiz pianist Chano Dominguez, featured guitar-less reinterpretations of ten of de Lucia's compositions.