 |
||
| Home | Photographs & Articles | The Guitarist | The Flamenco Photography Project | Photography Site | Contact | ||
 |
|
Chris Carnes 1942 - 2000
Christopher Douglas Carnes
He led so many of us down the Flamenco path...
Christopher Douglas Carnes was born on September 28, 1942, and died on
Tuesday July 25, 2000. Chris, aka Cristobal Dos Santos, was well known
throughout the Bay Area and around the world as one of the foremost
American guitarists of the pueblo style of gypsy Flamenco. In the 1950's,
Chris was a familiar figure in flamenco circles in Los Angeles. After
traveling to Mexico City in 1960, he met legendary gypsy flamenco dancer
Carmen Amaya. His first job was playing for a flamenco ballet company
featuring some of the Amaya family members.
Subsequently, Chris traveled to Spain to search out the true gypsy flamenco. His first teachers there were Perico el del Lunar and Juan Maya "El Marote".
Chris finally met his renowned master teacher Diego Amaya Flores del Gastor in the small pueblo of Morón de la Frontera. Chris was regarded as an adopted son by Diego, and was absorbed into Diego's bohemian flamenco lifestyle throughout the 60's and early 70's. It was there in that Chris honed his skills with artists such as Joselero, La Fernanda, and Anzonini.
Chris also studied the Lebrija style of gypsy guitar under Pedro Peña. He was influenced by his artist friends Pedro Bacan and Miguel Funi of Lebrija. Chris was a noted accompanist of cante flamenco and was included in many weddings, fiestas and fairs in Lebrija, Morón, and in and around the "flamenco triangle" in Andalucia, Spain. Chris was employed at the La Cuadra, an after hours gypsy nightclub in Sevilla. There he played with artists such as Tia Juana La Pipa, La Chicharona de Jerez, Antonio Mairena, Miguel Funi, El Chocolate, El Farruco, El Terremoto, Carmen Montoya, and many more. In 1976 he recorded a hit single "Pasaje del Agua" by Loli y Manuel playing the oud, a Middle Eastern fretless stringed instrument.
In 1989 Chris hosted The Gypsy Flamenco Hour on public radio station KZYX FM in Mendocino County, California. The program was nominated for the National Public Radio Golden Reel Award. In 1990 the Spanish government officially invited Chris to play in the Bienal of Sevilla dedicated to the guitar and specifically devoted to the memory of his teacher Diego del Gastor. Chris also played on a 90-minute documentary for French national radio.
Chris is survived by his daughter, Carmen Carnes of Fairfax, California. Carmen will continue the artistic tradition by pursuing her masters degree in dance in the World Arts and Cultures Department at UCLA. Chris is also survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs. J. Carnes of San Luis Obispo, CA, Kent and Kathleen Carnes of Maple Creek, CA, Claudia and Louis Carnes of San Luis Obispo, CA. and first wife, Moreen Silver, Madrid.
Chris is a beloved figure in music circles in the Bay Area and beyond, and taught many students about Flamenco. He was a pioneer in world music through his inspired sharing of music with his many friends and acquaintances.
Chris was a gentle, kind and compassionate person who touched the hearts of many. His ashes will be scattered in the garden of Saint Stephen's Church in San Luis Obispo. A memorial/homenaje for Chris is planned for August in the Bay Area.
Carmen Carnes
July 28, 2000
Subsequently, Chris traveled to Spain to search out the true gypsy flamenco. His first teachers there were Perico el del Lunar and Juan Maya "El Marote".
Chris finally met his renowned master teacher Diego Amaya Flores del Gastor in the small pueblo of Morón de la Frontera. Chris was regarded as an adopted son by Diego, and was absorbed into Diego's bohemian flamenco lifestyle throughout the 60's and early 70's. It was there in that Chris honed his skills with artists such as Joselero, La Fernanda, and Anzonini.
Chris also studied the Lebrija style of gypsy guitar under Pedro Peña. He was influenced by his artist friends Pedro Bacan and Miguel Funi of Lebrija. Chris was a noted accompanist of cante flamenco and was included in many weddings, fiestas and fairs in Lebrija, Morón, and in and around the "flamenco triangle" in Andalucia, Spain. Chris was employed at the La Cuadra, an after hours gypsy nightclub in Sevilla. There he played with artists such as Tia Juana La Pipa, La Chicharona de Jerez, Antonio Mairena, Miguel Funi, El Chocolate, El Farruco, El Terremoto, Carmen Montoya, and many more. In 1976 he recorded a hit single "Pasaje del Agua" by Loli y Manuel playing the oud, a Middle Eastern fretless stringed instrument.
In 1989 Chris hosted The Gypsy Flamenco Hour on public radio station KZYX FM in Mendocino County, California. The program was nominated for the National Public Radio Golden Reel Award. In 1990 the Spanish government officially invited Chris to play in the Bienal of Sevilla dedicated to the guitar and specifically devoted to the memory of his teacher Diego del Gastor. Chris also played on a 90-minute documentary for French national radio.
Chris is survived by his daughter, Carmen Carnes of Fairfax, California. Carmen will continue the artistic tradition by pursuing her masters degree in dance in the World Arts and Cultures Department at UCLA. Chris is also survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs. J. Carnes of San Luis Obispo, CA, Kent and Kathleen Carnes of Maple Creek, CA, Claudia and Louis Carnes of San Luis Obispo, CA. and first wife, Moreen Silver, Madrid.
Chris is a beloved figure in music circles in the Bay Area and beyond, and taught many students about Flamenco. He was a pioneer in world music through his inspired sharing of music with his many friends and acquaintances.
Chris was a gentle, kind and compassionate person who touched the hearts of many. His ashes will be scattered in the garden of Saint Stephen's Church in San Luis Obispo. A memorial/homenaje for Chris is planned for August in the Bay Area.
Carmen Carnes
July 28, 2000