The
sound of Latin Guitar and World Groove instrumental music is alive
and well on New Moon - the 2015 album by gifted nylon
string guitarist David Correa. Throughout the 12 track New
Moon, Correas talent and guitar technique shines through.
Hes clearly a clever composer, finding a number of new ways
to combine his flawless nylon string classical guitar technique within
a number of Latin flavaored and flamenco guitar grooves, sounds and
styles. A wide variety of instrumental guitar styles float in and
out of the New Moon sound stage including global guitar fusion,
Latin jazz, Rumba Flamenco, French Gypsy and even Middle Eastern sounds.
Correa is based in the San Francisco area on the West Coast region
of the U.S. to which he adds, Most people find it amazing
that I grew up in Southern California and lived in the Bay Area for
years but hadnt visited the Southwest until 2007. I was amazed
at the Spanish influence and areas that reminded me so much of Mexico."
A number of musicians appear backing Correas guitar visions
on the New Moon CD, including Aaron Germain, Ruben
Ramos and Marco Renteria (bass), percussionist Johnny
Sandoval and Surya Prakasha (drums) Several other notable
guitarists appear to lend further fretboard support on New Moon,
including Alfredo Caceres, Jim Stubblefield and Tommy Hill.
Fans of well established Latin groove guitar favorites like Govi,
Armik, Lawson Rollins, Ottmar Liebert and others will find much superb
guitar sounds on David Correas excellent New Moon. David
Correa takes the timeless and pleasurable sound of the nylon string
Spanish guitar to new heights on New Moon. www.DavidCorreaMusic.com
mwe3.com presents
an interview with
DAVID CORREA
mwe3:
Can you tell us something about where you're from and where you've
lived? I hear a definite Latin connection in your music. Is that connection
a family tradition?
David Correa: I was born on a US Air Force Base in Izmir, Turkey.
As an infant the family moved to Southern California where I spent
all of my teen years and early twenties. Coming from a strong Mexican
heritage there was always music in the household. I've been living
in the Bay Area since 1996.
mwe3: Can you tell us what were the events that led up to the
writing and recording of your New Moon CD that was released
in the Summer of 2015? How is this album different from your albums
with David Correa And Cascada?
David Correa: I've done some extensive touring throughout the
Southwest, Colorado and Texas since 2007. During this time I also
learned a lot about the heritage and culture of the region. In addition
to the breathtaking landscape, I also found inspiration from the Spanish
culture of the area. During the past couple of tours I've spent a
lot of downtime writing music.
This new CD is different from past recordings, mainly because I've
become a better songwriter and I have chosen a group of players that
are professional musicians and the best in this genre.
mwe3:
What's the chemistry like between you and your band? Do you have a
core band for live shows? Tell us about how you decided on the guest
guitarists who play on the New Moon CD.
David Correa: In the SF Bay Area I perform with a set group
if players who are on the new CD. When I perform in the LA area, I
play with another group of musicians that are based there. This group
of players is also on the new CD. I've been doing this for about three
years now.
Guitarist Tommy Hill performs in my band in the Bay Area on a regular
basis. Guitarist Alfredo Cáceres is usually the guy I call
in LA when I need a second guitarist. Lastly, Jim Stubblefield, from
the LA based band Incendio, is a good friend of mine, and a huge inspiration.
mwe3: How would you compare the musical influences of growing
up in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas with the influence of
the Desert Southwest? Is there a guitar sound from both places?
David Correa: As far as comparison, the Southwest is more removed
from the hustle and bustle of LA and SF. In terms of guitar sound,
there is no difference.
mwe3:
What are your concerts like and what are your favorite places to perform
shows? Would you consider a DVD in the future?
David Correa: I perform in a variety of different settings
such as festivals, summer concerts in the park, intimate theaters,
wineries and your local restaurant that has "live" music.
I enjoy all, but I guess the most fun and rewarding concerts to do
are theaters, festivals and concerts in the park because that's where
people are really engaged as a listener. I can see a DVD of a live
show in the future!
mwe3: I saw some beautiful nylon string classical guitars on
your web site. What guitars did you record New Moon with and
what strings do you prefer? Do you also play steel string or even
electric guitars? Who are your favorite guitar makers?
David Correa: Since 2004 I have been using Cordoba Guitars
exclusively. For the New Moon recording I used the GK Pro Negra.
I love its tone and it sounds unbelievable! I always use D'Adarrio
Pro Arte hard tension strings. I don't play steel string acoustic
guitars, I do occasionally play electric guitar, but not professionally.
Some of my favorite guitar makers are Cordoba, Takamine, Godin and
Maldonado and Hermanos Conde.
mwe3:
How long have you been playing guitar and when did you gravitate to
classical guitar and flamenco guitar? I know you also grew up listening
and laying a lot of rock and progressive rock.
David Correa: I've been playing guitar for 33 years. The last
20 years I've been playing Spanish / Latin guitar exclusively. I was
a teen in the 1980s so I grew up listening to progressive rock
bands like Rush and was influenced by guitarists such as Randy Rhoads,
Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker and Marty Friedman.
mwe3: Can you name some of your favorite guitar albums, rock,
instrumental and classical guitar, that had the biggest influence
on you?
David Correa: Strunz and Farah Americas is a great guitar
album. Timeless! And of coarse, Friday Night In San Francisco
(DiMeola, McLaughlin, De Lucia ) is my all time favorite.
mwe3: How do you stay in shape as a guitarist? What pieces
do you play or what exercises do you play and do you have a set practice
routine?
David
Correa: I practice modal scales on a daily basis to keep my mind
and fingers in shape. Nowadays youtube guitar lessons are readily
available, so I'm always learning something new and challenging. I
try to play daily but there are times when that is not possible.
mwe3: How would you describe the Flamenco guitar sound you
perform on the album? There's so many different types of Flamenco,
like Rumba, Nouveau... Who are the great Flamenco guitar players,
now and then, in your estimation?
David Correa: At best I describe my music as Latin Guitar World
Music. I do play some Rumba, bossa, son Cubano and Latin folk. I would
not describe my music as Flamenco at all. And as far as players, there
are too many great Flamenco guitarists to name.
mwe3: Do you have more touring planned for the summer? Have
you done shows in Florida or the East Coast or do you mainly play
out west? How about other plans for your music?
David
Correa: I am always seeking out new areas to perform in. I have
never toured the East Coast or Florida but plans are in progress to
make it a reality. For now, I am content performing and touring in
the U.S. In the future I would like to perform in Japan or China.
Maybe even Europe!
Thanks to David Correa @ www.DavidCorreaMusic.com