The band at the Celtic Connections festival launch 2013 –
Mike McGoldrick (whistles), Danny Cummings (Drums), Paquito Gonzales (Cajon), Guy Fletcher (Keys),
Rafael de Utrera (Vocals), Vicente Amigo, Ewan Vernal (Bass), John McCusker (fiddle), Añil Fernandez (2nd guitar)

Vicente Amigo is surely one of the greatest, most well respected guitarists of our age.  The Córdoba-born, Latin Grammy-winning Flamenco guitar maestro has collaborated with a cross-genre galaxy of fellow greats in the past including David Bowie, Bob Dylan and John McLaughlin but for his latest album, he asked me to be the producer.
Vicente’s new album entitled ‘Tierra’ was recorded last year at British Grove Studios and for this exciting journey into the world of Flamenco and Celtic folk, I put together an exceptional band of players. From Mark Knopfler’s band, Michael McGoldrick on whistle, pipes and flutes, John McCusker on fiddle and Danny Cummings on drums and percussion. Ewan Vernal on bass and Donald Shaw on accordion are both brilliant musicians and are involved with many projects with Mike and John and regular members of the seductively traditional/contemporary gaelic folk band Capercaillie. All are blessed with vast experience and musical knowledge and were fundamental to the idea of bringing this unique project to life. Along with myself on piano, Hammond organ and various other ‘textures’, the album has already generated a great deal of excitement interest in its pre-release period.

The full band during recording at British Grove Studios, London

Mike, John, Donald, Danny and Ewan

Vicente listens back to a take at the Neve desk in Studio 1…