Benjamin Woods

There are certainly some clear parallels between flamenco and heavy metal guitar playing: the search for an ever more blindingly virtuosic technique, the attraction to complexity, their driving rhythm and aggressive edge. A highly sought after accompanist of flamenco dance and cante, Benjamin Woods is the creator of some really great fusions in this vein. On the show, Benjamin gives some insight into the arduous task of learning flamenco guitar the right way, that being in part the willingness to dedicate a decade of study to just reaching a proficiency level of OK. Hear his open-minded take on some of the more commercial flamenco acts like the Gypsy Kings and Ottmar Liebert. He also talks about his metal roots and you will hear tracks from a plethora of his projects including groups Flametal and Heavy Mellow, as well as his heavy metal classics for solo guitar. So if you’re even a little bit nostalgic for the music of nineteen eighties or nineties, you are going to love hearing Ben’s excellent versions of music by bands like Metallica, Rainbow, Iron Maiden, some of his originals, and even a bulería based on Manuel de Falla’s Canción del Fuego Fatuo. I had a great time making this one, and I think you'll enjoy it too!