Carlos Montoya St Louis Blues

[bcnicholas]

I saw Carlos Montoya perform at the U of Wisconsin many years ago. I've been in love with the guitar ever since.

[jims1945]

Thanks for posting this. I haven't heard it for over 50 years. I used to rent the LP, "From St. Louis To Seville" for 5 cents a day from the public library in Mill Valley, Ca. It included "St. Louis Blues" & "Blues in the Night" among other great standards. My recent search proves Carlos Montoya's skill and innovation are not forgotten.

[ceb2633]

@jims1945

Thank you for the comment. I think it was a little more than 50 years ago when I bought the Album, which is in amazing shape, I think, and I still treasure. I should upload more from it.

C.

[esmusat]

Ya no quedan guitarristas como él

[milesneedham]

i saw him in the mid eighties, with my mom at the sacramento convention center.... i'll never forget it.... at the time i was all about jimmy page, jeff beck, alex lifeson, yngvie malmsteen, michael schenker et al, carlos montoya uber alles.....

[francisco070]

Yeah, Carlos is and will always be great among others period. Vamos carlos hole entre el blues. Hole.

[ElCalvo45]

What is odd about the ongoing negativity regarding Carlos Montoya's non-traditional style is that today's most highly regarded flamenco guitarist -- Paco de Lucia -- is actually popular for doing the very thing that Carlos pioneered: breaking with tradition. This has obviously become the norm, with many flamencos (including Paco) now experimenting with fusions of blues, jazz, Cubano, Indian, or Arabic music. As for his uncle, Ramon never filled the Houston Astrodome.

[ElCalvo45]

What is odd about the ongoing negativity regarding Carlos Montoya's non-traditional style is that today's most highly regarded flamenco guitarist -- Paco de Lucia -- is actually popular for doing the very thing that Carlos pioneered: breaking with tradition. This has obviously become the norm, with many flamencos (including Paco) now experimenting with fusions of blues, jazz, Cubano, Indian, or Arabic music. As for his uncle, Ramon never filled the Houston Astrodome.

[InfiniteMind12]

BEAUTIFULLY exquisite.

[InfiniteMind12]

BEAUTIFULLY exquisite.

[Hazelitaaa]

Ay que rico es el flamenco blues

[lousparre]

Montoya was a badass. He didn't give a sh#$ about all the traditionalists and naysayers and for that we must admire him.

[ceb2633]

@lousparre

Can't say I disagree with you. I love him.

C.

[LAURENTGIANEZ57]

@lousparre c est de la merde

[chitlin1369]

i have a 33rpm from the 50s by carlos . one side is devoted to the american favorites. yeah i'm 72. love his music.

[classicvinylbiz]

Montoya - Zambra (1961 Recording):

watch?v=meQ9LwgxPMc

regards

[dowder04]

thanks a lot for this! i'm hearing Carlos Montoya for the first time..where has this been all my life?

[ceb2633]

@dowder04

This recording is probably older than you. Thank you for listening and for the comment. I love his guitar, and him playing it. C.

[beecirera]

Pero que bueno, Sr. Montoya! With nylon-strings an all! Blues, flamenco, swing... can't get much better than that!

[drruth82]

I met him when I was about ten years old and had just started to play guitar. My neighbor across the street in Frostburg, MD was a Spanish professor at (then) Frostburg State Teachers College (now Frostburg State University...yeah, the same one as mentioned in "My Name Is Earl") and Montoya performed in the college's Artist Series, and stayed with my neighbors! He taught me how to play "Malaguena"--such an incredibly sweet man. Could take the time to jam with a little kid!

[ceb2633]

@drruth82

Sounds like a wonderful time. When I met Andres Segovia, I was stunned for about a week. Thanks for the great memory. C.

[arturoquimico]

I think Montoya is getting a bad rap... yes he was pretty deadpan on stage, but... he could do it... and was technically correct... if you can do it and collect the money... it ain't braggin'... Agreed that Sabicas could deadpan and take your breath away... arturoquimico

[matthewhenson1]

And regarding this song, every guitar version of it is COMPLETELY blown away by Django Reinhardt's; his recording of St Louis Blues is undoubtedly one of the highest points in the history of the instrument. Also hard to go past Louis Armstrong's rendition on his tribute album to W.C. Handy - Satchmo could really blow!!

[matthewhenson1]

This is a tad odd...

I genuinely think Carlos was a sub-standard guitarist. His uncle Ramon (the father of solo flamenco guitar) very much agreed, openly stating that Carlos had no talent for the guitar and refused to teach him. His bizarre flamenco playing pales in comparison to Ramon's, or that of his contemporaries Nino Ricardo and Sabicas. It is especially inferior to the all-round GOD of flamenco Paco de Lucia. Even Paco's followers like Vicente Amigo, Gerardo Nunez and Tomatito are better.

[leon38588]

*****Blues y Flamenco***

[jacquillo]

this is a very strange combination

great document !!!

[rywil101]

I love this guy! Wonderful playing. Thanks for posting

[brtherjohn]

He did an lp back then called "From St. Louis to Seville". That had a rhythm section, also on RCA. Is this the same album?  Probably...

[ceb2633]

yes, same album. Great stuff on it. They never name who played the rhythm section. Wonderful album. C.

[coldwar1952]

I've searched high and low, can't find out who the combo personnel are on this RCA LP. Anyone know? Thanks

[ceb2633]

coldwater, I am still searching. All it says on the album is"a rhythm section recruited from the top ranks of New York Jazzmen". In 1958, that gave a lot to choose from. If I find more, will let you know. Thanks, C

[katkimjac]

WOW, i didn't know that! Oh yes, do let me know when you put more of him playing! its soothing to listen to wonderful guitar playing.. its romantic and sensual.. if you understand what i mean :)

[katkimjac]

always loved spanish guitar - this freaking FANTASTIC!!

[ceb2633]

He is wonderful and freaking fantastic. I am so sorry he is gone, katkimjac. I have some more to post. Thank you.

[DaughterOfRa6]

Holy crap! Carlos Montoya is the man! I never thought I would love, really LOVE spanish guitar...

[ceb2633]

Have to agree with you on that, though I always loved Spanish guitar; he is a gem. Thanks for the comment. C.

[samysany]

i REALLY LOVE THIS TUNE OF FUSION!!!