José Luis Balao, a non-Romani guitarist, concert performer, and composer, is known worldwide by his artistic name, José Luis Balao. He was born in Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz) in 1938, a city renowned for its flamenco heritage. He first encountered the guitar at the early age of 12, mentored initially by Javier Molina and later by Rafael del Águila.
He began his professional career performing in ballets and as a solo guitarist throughout Spain, the Middle East, Holland, Denmark, and a long list of other countries.
Since returning to Jerez in 1978, he has devoted himself to solo concerts and teaching, continuing to contribute significant talents to the guitar world such as Alfredo Lagos, Javier Patino, Santiago Lara, Pascual de Lorca, Juan Diego, Paco Lara, José Quevedo "El Bolita", Antonio Higuero, and many more.
Awards
- First Prize at the Seville Biennial with the piece "Murmullos de la Alhambra"
- Bordón Minero de la Unión
- International Guitar Competition "Festival de Córdoba"
- Catavino de Oro from the Cátedra de Flamencología
Interview with José Luis Balao at his academy
At the door of his academy, I am greeted by the distinctive figure of José Luis Balao. Around him, students of all ages cluster, each holding their guitars. Once inside, I find myself in an old tenement house that the teacher inherited from his parents and has transformed into a romantic fortress, whose walls attempt to contain the music emanating from the strings. There is a very special atmosphere. I notice the diverse photographs hanging in the academy; among them, you might find one of Rafael del Águila or Johann Sebastian Bach, defying time.
"I was born on Pizarro Street in Jerez," the master tells me in a measured tone, "just a few days ago, that house was demolished, and I felt a great sadness.".
To converse with José Luis, one must be prepared to receive messages heavily laden with emotion.
"My older brother would leave the guitar lying around, and my curiosity led me to embrace this wonderful instrument. I delved so deeply into its mysteries that it captured me forever in a no-return alley."
The quirks of fate... What if his brother had taken up the harp instead?...
He continues speaking calmly, now looking up at the ceiling as if searching for sepia-toned memories.
"Then, I had the immense fortune of being a student of two great masters: Javier Molina 'The wizard of the guitar' (pointing proudly at a photo of him) and Rafael del Águila, a very bohemian figure who counted me among his favorite students. Both could read classical music."
And Balao learned his lessons well.
After my military service, I started touring many places, among which I would highlight Madrid, where I played for very important artists, and I also remember my time in the Balearic Islands.
In this case, it was an enriching migration.
I returned to Jerez around 1978 and was no longer known by the local singers. To survive, I had to rely on concert guitar playing, offering both flamenco pieces and some classical ones. For this reason, I have been labeled a classical guitarist, which doesn't bother me, but first and foremost, I am a flamenco musician.
Now I better understand the photo of Bach, alongside guitarists from different eras. José Luis Balao has been fully dedicated to teaching since 1979.
It's a pride to say that the last two finalists in the Seville Biennial have been my students.
Similarly, along with teaching, he continues to compose with remarkable quality and speed. When I go to say goodbye, he shows me two other photos where the greats of the current guitar scene express and sign their admiration, like Manolo Sanlúcar or Paco de Lucía. This is something very few possess. José Luis is a faculty of sonic sensitivities where he harmonizes and combines his taste for flamenco and classical, from a granaina to El Amor Brujo. Could it be because of Javier Molina?
Published in ABC, on February 3, 2001 by José Maria Castaño.
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