DAVID CORREA
New Moon
(Baja / TSR)

 

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, Correa’s talent and guitar technique shines through. He’s 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 hadn’t 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 Correa’s 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 Correa’s 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 1980’s 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


 

 
   
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