'Life may be short but mercurial music like
this squeezes as much out of it as possible'
Jim Gilchrist - The Scotsman
FLAMENCO JAZZ SKETCHES
"Flamenco Jazz Sketches" was born from the curiosity of Philip Adie, flamenco guitarist, and Luis Salto, jazz bassist, to explore different timbral sounds and styles such as jazz, flamenco, African music, psychedelia and rock.
Through a musical dialogue marked by improvisation, a repertoire is performed that includes original compositions and versions of pieces by Manuel de Falla, The Beatles and Eddie Harris.
The recording of the album "FLAMENCO JAZZ SKETCHES" is a creative point of reference for both musicians, and it is playing live where they expand and enrich each number, in a context of free, creative and experimental music.
The album is available to download or listen on all streaming platforms https://orcd.co/flamencojazzsketches

"There’s an often fierce improvisational dialogue between the duo’s guitar and bass, sometimes sparring with each other, sometimes snapping into unison"
Jim Gilchrist - The Scotsman
Amongst the many performances they have made they had the privilege of performing at the presentation of the exhibition 'Cara a Cara. Picasso y Los Maestros Antiguos' at the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville. In 2022 and 2023 they participated in the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, where they received positive praise for their performances, as highlighted in reviews in The Scotsman newspaper and in Scottish Jazz Space magazine.

https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/edinburgh-festivals/edinburgh-festival-fringe-music-musicals-opera-reviews-lizard-boy-lighthouse-an-immersive-drinking-musical-last-night-julie-the-musical-flamenco-jazz-sketches-3819798

https://www.scottishjazzspace.co.uk/flamenco-jazz-sketches-philip-adie-luis-salto-duo-at-alba-flamenca-edinburgh-28-august-2022/
Videos
" ...the close communication between the two was a constant." - SCOTTISH JAZZ SPACE
Reviews
Flamenco Jazz Sketches ****
Alba Flamenca (venue 237)

There’s a tucked away corner of Edinburgh’s Southside that is forever España. As well as music, dance and a conveniently adjoining tapas café, Alba Flamenca’s intimate stage hosts the flamenco-jazz fusion of guitarist Philip Adie – a Seville-based Aberdonian clearly steeped in his adopted culture – and double-bassist Luis Salto.

There’s an often fierce improvisational dialogue between the duo’s guitar and bass, sometimes sparring with each other, sometimes snapping into unison, as in their opening number, Paco y Frank (an eclectic reference to musical heroes Paco Peña and Frank Zappa), or in the Cuban-influenced Stone Free Guajiro, the bass sliding in lazily behind the relaxed melody, before more percussive exchanges ensue.

Adie’s solo piece, Entre Naranjos y Olivos, has a similar sense of music in the moment, his dreamy introduction leading on to edgy runs, flurries of notes and snappy chords. Salto re-joins him for “something completely different”, which involves the guitar thrumming with damped strings and following Salto’s bass progression before further guitar fireworks erupt, to subside gently before the final flourish.

As they approach the end of their set, Adie points out that this year marks the centenary of the historic flamenco song contest organised in the Alhambra, Grenada, by Manuel de Falla and the poet Federico García Lorca. Accordingly, they close with their idiosyncratic take on a theme from de Falla’s opera La Vida Breve, its familiar melody sounding out, but with plenty room for inventive spontaneity by both players (de Falla probably didn’t have a walking bass line in mind when he wrote it). Life, as the composer suggests, may be short but mercurial music like this squeezes as much out of it as possible.

Jim Gilchrist
The Scotsman
Audience reviews from Edinburgh Fringe 2022/2024

Brendo
Warm, intimate, and incredibly-skilled show. Communication between guitar and double-bass is amazing. If you know flamenco and modern jazz, you’ll love the playful switches between genres (and indeed overlaps); if you play the guitar in any genre, (or I guess less commonly, double-bass) you’ll be knocked out by two guys who are totally on their game. If you just like music generally, it’s a bit of an education. And if you’re pig-ignorant, go along to feed your head and get some education.

MA
I went to this show last night. Absolutely loved it. Great intimate venue where two very talented musicians from Seville created an amazing atmosphere with a very interesting fusion between flamenco guitar music and jazz. The guitar playing by Philip Adie was so vibrant, beautifully accompanied by Luis Salto's double base. I totally recommend it. This show takes you back to what the Fringe festival used to be all about.

Gillian Grigor
Went to Philip Adie solo show last week and couldn't wait to go back to Alba Flamenco for this Jazz Session. Very unusual sounds (to me ) but very deep and pleasing. Definitely recommend... Brilliant evening

Gordon Watson
Venue smaller than my flat, no staff, just 2 talented guys, 2 instruments and minimal amplification. What the fringe is all about, loved the show and left wanting more.

RM
Excellent late night music. I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual combination of double bass and flamenco guitar, with minimal amplification in the intimate setting of the Alba Flamenca dance studio. Philip Adie's guitar leads with a strong flamenco accent but generally remains outside conventional flamenco song structures. The guitar is perfectly complemented by Luis Salto's exceptionally tuneful jazz bass and the combination is a highly original blend of flamenco and jazz traditions.

TE
Would highly recommend this show, beautiful music in a small venue. I have previously seen the flamenco fiesta and the flamenco guitar odyssey shows at this venue in previous years and all have been very high quality. The musicians are very talented and it was interesting to hear the flamenco music combined with jazz.

Matilda Brodie
It is wonderful and a must see if you want to learn about the flamenco music and where in Spain it derives from. Great music, great company, thank you Philip and Luis!

Aexander Martin
Great way to spend an hour in intimate surroundings. Fantastic duo with show both interesting and entertaining. Recommend you take this in.

Carlos Frade
An unforgettable moment in the intimate atmosphere of Alba Flamenca (the Spanish Flamenco School of Edinburgh). Bravissimo for Luis and Philip and their passionate if subtle flamenco jazz sketches.

Marina Wickens
This show was just exquisite. The music was mesmerising. It’s five stars from me and not to be missed if you like flamenco or jazz or just great music. It’s a real treat, don’t miss it.

DrP
Stunning technique, improvisation and connection between the two musicians. Live music of this quality for a tenner? Yes please.

Sofia
Amazing show both musicians incredibly talented and fully embrace the flamenco field. Would 100% recommend checking them out.

Michael
5/5 stars
- great original spanish, jazzy music
- both the guitarist and double bassist are incredibly skilled
- perfect chemistry between the two musicians
- easily deserve a full house