Solo Guitarra

The guitar tradition revisited

Yerai Cortés (Alicante, 1995) is one of the most talented of the new generation of flamenco guitarists. His style draws on the classical ‘gitano’ tradition which was instilled into him at home by his father, his first teacher. At a young age, he was already sharing the stage with singers such as Rancapino, Guadiana, Pitingo, and La Tana, and for many years now has been beguiling dance legend Farruquito with his scintillating playing. Yerai Cortés also likes to explore other musical worlds. He has shared a stage with saxophonist Jorge Pardo and the Cameroonian singer/bassist Richard Bona, who was a huge source of inspiration for him. With the popular rapper and songwriter C. Tangana, he has toured pop arenas across Spain.

Cortés’ breakthrough came with Rocío Molina’s guitar trilogy, where he challenges the female flamenco pioneer of the 21st century with his devilish, playful rhythm and delayed notes – silences brimming with music. With his personal ‘soniquete’ (swing) he brings the guitar tradition, ‘el toque’, into the contemporary age. Yerai Cortés is preparing his first solo album, of which he will assuredly be presenting a foretaste during this Flamenco Biennial, accompanied by two female clappers.

‘Yerai is ‘pure play’. He goes straight to the essence of things, without delay.’ – Rocío Molina

Yerai Cortés in De Balie IX Flamenco Biennial 2023

Yerai Cortés live from the Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam | NPO Klassiek

Late Night Jam - Café Madrid with Fuákata

A flamenco-inspired jam session with international, young and acclaimed talent.

After the Bimhuis concert, there will be a jam session with iFuákata! – a jazz-flamenco band of five Spanish musicians based in Amsterdam: Álvaro Rey (trumpet), Mikel Legasa (piano), Felipe Aguilera (bass), Lucas Trabado (percussion) and Manuel Vega (percussion). Trumpeter Antonio Moreno Glazkov, who led the jam after the Juanfe Pérez Quartet’s concert in December, plays along as a special guest.

28.01 – 22:00 Bimhuis Café
Open to all musicians and free to the public.