Mark Taylor - About Flamenco Music

Flamenco "compositions" are generally by nature variations on traditional themes. What gives each form its own special mood or "aire" is a combination of thematic material with rhythmic structure (compas), tempo, and modality. The flamenco composer strives to maintain the integrity of traditional style while contributing something personal and creative to the repertoire.

My goal as a performer and recording artist is to interpret and share the rich diversity and emotional authenticity that is inherent in the music. Flamenco can be described simply as the gypsy music of Andalucia, Spain, yet the elements and influences of flamenco are anything but simple.

The music absorbs and reflects the influences of four cultures that over time have flourished in Andalucia, i.e. Islamic, Christian, Jewish and Gypsy. More recently influences from Cuba and South America such as the rumba, guajira and colombianas have enriched the repertoire of traditional and contemporary flamenco. The result is a fusion that is exotic and mysterious, sultry and sensuous. It is at times sorrowful and tragic yet always triumphant in spirit.

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