Miguel Espinoza Fusion is a World Music Jazz Fusion group with deep roots in Flamenco tradition and rhythms, thanks to the group’s namesake, Miguel Espinoza, who is an authentic virtuoso Flamenco guitarist. A part of that tradition is the practice of playing and composing entirely by ear. This group uses no written sheet music, ever, and instead functions entirely in the aural/oral tradition of the Flamenco Gitanos of Southern Spain, where Miguel spent a good bit of time performing and touring with Flamenco troupes. Eventually, his life took a turn as he became inspired to incorporate other musical elements into his compositions, including jazz, Middle Eastern, Afro-Caribbean, classical Indian, Western European classical, Brazilian, and other musical styles and traditions around the world. Dianne (cello), Randy (bass guitar), and David (percussion) add their musical contributions to these compositions, with even more stylistic influences! But under all these compositional fusions, you’ll more often than not be listening to the Flamenco heartbeat, as in these three compositions being performed with the Austin Symphony this evening. In Miguel’s own words:

"Camino Desconocido: was inspired by composers such as Astor Piazzolla and Manuel de Falla. It has elements of deep traditional Flamenco in a melting pot of styles, including Funk (and Heavy Metal, which is on our recording of this piece). This composition, like so many of my compositions, is episodic and contains many surprises. I think it really invokes our imaginations!"

"Nagi Yaté: The energy from this piece comes from an ancient traditional Flamenco tuning called ‘Rondeña,’ and it is set in a Flamenco rhythm called Bulerias, which is a 12-beat rhythmic cycle containing 5 accents. This composition has highly creative elements of complex harmonies coupled with classical, jazz, and Flamenco features. 'Nagi Yaté' means 'Spirit World' in Lakota, and it depicts the soul’s journey to the spirit world. I am part Native American and particularly love the Lakota culture.

"Veneta: is a composition dedicated to the group, Oregon, who has inspired me and influenced my Flamenco style, opening up my understanding of harmony. The combination of classical cello, Flamenco guitar, and World Music is a very unique and creative sound. As musicians, we are delighted to share this music with the world, to remind our listeners of our common humanity.