“These guys rocked…when the musicians engaged in impassioned crossfire, the heat index broke all records.” -The Village Voice
Jonathan “Juanito” Pascual is acclaimed as one of the top young flamenco guitarists on the international music scene. His latest solo album release, Language of the Heart, deeply celebrates flamenco tradition while showcasing a virtual “Who’s Who” of the new school of Flamenco, Jazz and World music: international Flamenco stars Elena Andujar and Leo Triviño; virtuoso bassist John Patitucci; one of the foremost World music and Jazz percussionists in the U.S, Jamey Haddad; noted cajón player Gonzalo Grau; electric bassist Sean Kupisz; Spain’s star Flamenco dancer Niño de los Reyes; pianist Alex Conde Carrasco; violinist Rohan Gregory; flutist Stan Strickland and percussionist Jerry Leake.
Born in Minneapolis, MN on July 26, 1973, Juanito has won praise around the globe as a respected new voice in this most Spanish of musical genres. He is recognized in Spain as a unique and creative voice with mesmerizing virtuosity, warm and evocative playing, and original compositional style. He has been a featured artist in some of the best-known fine arts centers, clubs, and festivals in the United States, including the renowned Tanglewood Jazz Festival, New York’s 92nd St. Y, Blue Note Jazz Club, Boston’s Jordan Hall and Regattabar, and countless colleges and performing arts centers. He has also been featured on National Public Radio’s “The World” program, as well as countless television and radio programs.
Juanito holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Contemporary Improvisation from New England Conservatory and was Second Prize winner of the 1996 New England Classical Guitar Competition. He has studied with Adam del Monte, Parilla de Jerez, Manolo Sanlucar, El Entri, classical guitarists David Leisner and Eliot Fisk, jazz guitarist Gene Bertoncini, and Boston-based maestro Dimitri Goryachev. Juanito’s frequent collaborations with Spanish artists include recent performances with well-known Flamenco singer/dancer Elena Andújar and members of the Maria Pagés Dance Company in Madrid’s renowned Casa Patas, recording projects with pianist Alex Conde Carrasco and Flamenco singer “El Pola,” performances with Isaac and Niño de los Reyes, Raquel Heredia, Omayra Amaya, Ramon de los Reyes, Jose Greco II, Carlota Santana, La Repompa de Málaga, Inés Arrubla, Susana di Palma, and Caminos Flamencos. He has also performed with Grammy-winning artists including soprano Dawn Upshaw, Jazz pianist Michel Camilo, Omar Faruk Takbilek, and Israeli cantor Emil Zrihan.
Juanito balances a busy schedule of performances, recordings, and teaching. In 2003, Juanito completed his first album of all original flamenco compositions, “Cosas en Común,” to critical acclaim and frequent radio play in the U.S. and abroad. In the same year, Juanito collaborated on the Grammy-winning chamber opera Ainadamar by Osvoldo Golijov, which enjoyed a debut at Tanglewood and featured soprano Dawn Upshaw. Since 2005, Juanito has been the director of the annual summer Flamenco Institute at the prestigious New England Conservatory in Boston. He made his on-screen debut with an appearance alongside Steve Martin and Andy Garcia in the 2009 “Pink Panther 2” film. His latest album release, “Language of the Heart,” is the next step in his driving passion to share the beauty and soul-stirring power of this ancient yet most vibrant musical style.
“One of the hottest Flamenco guitarists to emerge in recent years.”-National Public Radio
“Juanito has a remarkable command of the guitar. His dynamic range is truly impressive and his compositions show real depth and understanding of both genres, flamenco and contemporary forms.” -Flamenco USA
“A flamenco phenom…A rising star of the Spanish guitar form.” -The Boston Globe
