Paco Soto, born in Águilas (Murcia) in 1991 and raised in Tangier (Morocco), is one of the most promising and original flamenco guitarists of his generation. His childhood between two cultures, Spanish and Moroccan, has profoundly marked his artistic identity and his way of understanding flamenco, merging influences from the Arab world, jazz and classical music in his playing.
Training and beginnings
From the age of 9, he felt a vocation for the flamenco guitar and, after an intense self-taught and academic training, he moved to Madrid at the age of 19 to immerse himself in the professional flamenco environment. There he was taught by Enrique Vargas, who helped him to perfect his technique and to deepen the Flemish tradition. In addition, he has trained in institutions such as the Festival del Cante de las Minas and the Cristina Heeren Foundation in Seville, receiving classes from great teachers such as Gerardo Núñez.
Career and awards
Paco Soto has collaborated with flamenco and jazz figures such as José Soto Sorderita, Duquende, Montse Cortés, Jorge Pardo, Josemi Carmona, Antonio Canales, Javier Colina, Chano Domínguez and Guadiana, among others. He is a regular guitarist for artists such as Maui de Utrera and trumpeter Enriquito, and has worked in emblematic dance and tablaos companies such as Casa Patas, Las Carboneras, Corral de la Morería and Cardamomo.
He has performed on prestigious international stages, such as the Cervantes Institute in New York, the Kölner Philharmonie and festivals in cities such as New York, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam and Brussels. In 2018, he was awarded the Alcobendas Young Talents Award for the best guitarist and in 2019 with the AIE Flamenco en Ruta award.
Record work and style
In 2017 he released his first album, LIFE, composed entirely by him and with collaborations with artists such as Jorge Pardo, Guadiana and Sandra Carrasco. In 2019, he released his second album, Dos Mares, where he delves into the fusion of flamenco and Arab music, reflecting his life experience between Africa and Europe.
Contributions and news
Paco Soto is the founder of his own group, the “Paco Soto Sextet”, and has taught courses and workshops on flamenco and Federico García Lorca's relationship with this art at institutions such as Columbia University. In addition, he has been selected by the international platform Playing For Change as a Spanish representative, collaborating on videos with global artists such as Gorillaz, Jack Johnson or U2
His music is characterized by miscegenation, respect for the flamenco roots and a constant search for new languages, consolidating him as one of the most innovative and personal guitarists in flamenco today.
