Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #71195 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-09-18
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English, Spanish, German
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 60 minutes

Customer Reviews

nice documentary on the brilliant flamenco guitarist
"LIGHT AND SHADE" is a well-made British documentary from 1993 about the great Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia. Although of short length ( approx 60 min ), the documentary / interview ( available in Spanish, English and French ) is a good introductory look at his family history, musical career and outlook on flamenco culture ( and of life as a whole ). Paco is well known in flamenco circles as a wise and thoughtful man ( if one with a streak of melancholia ) and thankfully, his sense of humor is seen in places.

The documentary starts out with Paco's ( nearly ) complete performance of his virtuosic composition "La Barrosa". For those not familiar with the flamenco guitar, the DVD features of freeze frame and slow motion will allow a close-up view of what many musician's consider the world's most advanced guitar technique. Along with the actual interview, which weaves through the entire documentary, are short clips of Paco's performances in the 1970's and 1980's: these include performances with his friend Camaron de La Isla, with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, and with his touring group ( the Paco de Lucia Sextet ). There is also a fascinating clip from his recording session of composer Joaquin Rodrigo's famous "Concierto de Aranjuez".

"LIGHT & SHADE" is not a definitive biography nor does it pretend to be ( the only satisfactory book about his life is in Spanish ). It is however a noble introduction to a musician who continues to exemplify the living flamenco tradition and bring both its vibrant musical life and his individual genius to audiences around the world.

Guitar Magic!
This DVD is an insightful documentary that takes us into the life of Paco De Lucia through personal interviews with the musician, his family and Flamenco experts. If you are, as I am, enchanted by Paco de Lucia's masterful guitar playing and are interested in his background, the philosophy behind his music and his biography, you'll be fascinated by this film. It should be a complimentary addition to your library of Paco de Lucia's CD's.

Excellent intro to Paco de Lucia
This is a very well produced dvd of Paco.From his early influences to international promenance. Paco has introduced new harmonies and diatonics to the Flamenco vocabulary, however keeping it within he Flamenco compass and thereby expanding it. Included in this dvd are nearly the entire " La Barossa", Interviews with Paco, his father and sister,Paco and Cameron, the trio of Paco, Al Dimeola and John Mclaughlin and the the sextet. This is a wonderful introduction to Paco de Lucia and his music. Also recommended (although as of this writing not yet available on Amazon) is Francisco Sanhchez- Paco de Lucia.