British flamenco guitarists are probably, numerically, on a par with British bullfighters. However, in the case of Samuel Moore he has the edge over the picadors, the matadors and the toreadors - jazz!
Alongside studies with flamenco maestros such as Paco Peña and Juan Martin, Moore also drew inspiration from flamenco legend Sabicas as well as picking up a jazz degree at Leeds Conservatoire.
Camino Flamenco (Flamenco Path) charters Moore's path through life - his experiences, the people, the places, the events that have shaped his life. It's quite compelling particularly as I've never listened to much of the genre even though I did once attend a concert at Newcastle City Hall featuring Manitas de Plata the memory of which is now a blur.
Granada: The city where he first fell in love with Spanish culture.
For My Grandmother: a short piece in a cheerful major key that reflects her warmth and spirit.
The Maestro: a tribute to the aforementioned legend - Sabicas. Samuel actually studied with a former pupil of 'The Maestro', Dennis Coster.
Homecoming: a celebration of his return to music after a long, unwanted, seperation. Possibly the jazziest track. Not being a flamenco aficionado I did find it hard to differentiate between the melody and the variations. It didn't mar my enjoyment of a music older than jazz itself.
Echoes of Carnegie Hall: Self explanatory. Samuel played there July 15, 2023. I think you could say "he'd arrived".
Rudyard: a tribute to Samuel's favourite poet Rudyard Kipling. Who else? Do you know any other Rudyards? I'm loving the album more and more with each track.
The Desolation and the Light: written in the aftermath of a near-fatal accident the sombre and stark reality of the situation and the fortitude to cope with it are evident in the playing and the composition.
Rossallia: not the name of a señorita but a recollection of his days at Rossall School in Fleetwood. A lively, bouncy affair reflecting his happy schooldays.
I came to Camino Flamenco tentatively curious. I wasn't sure what to expect. Any misgivings were quickly swept away and I was hooked - a gem available from Nov. 20. Lance
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