Eduardo Niebla

“World class virtuoso” (Time Out) Spanish guitarist and composer EDUARDO NIEBLA is one of the most brilliant and emotive performers on the world circuit today, fusing “poignantly poetic…and truly fabulous” (The Scotsman) flamenco gypsy jazz with Arabic, Indian, Latin and classical influences, to create a truly “stunning” (The Sound) and “exhilarating” (Jazz Journal) musical experience “full of hot, dark, Mediterranean passion” (The Scotsman)

His concerts appearances have included the OLYMPIC GAMES GREECE, THE Tbilisi International Jazz Festival, Georgia, Glastonbury and the Brecon International Jazz Festivals, England, the San Isidro Fiesta, Madrid, in addition to numerous international festivals throughout Europe and the Baltic States. He has undertaken extensive concert tours to Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East and South Africa and has received great critical acclaim:

“He gives pleasure that only a world class virtuoso at his best is capable of…he reached everyone in the packed hall…extremely impressive.” (Sakala News, Estonia)

“Astonishing interplay between the principals who wed technical fluidity and virtuosity to an unashamedly secular passion.” (Q Review)

Eduardo has recorded extensively, releasing 23 cds of his own compositions: “A stunning collection of originals… which work wonderfully well, showing what Jelly Roll Morton called “the Spanish tinge” is still a potent force” (Jazz UK) “Niebla proves his mastery and composing genius with every touch.” (Die Rheinpfalz)

These feature an array of internationally acclaimed musicians, including CARLES BENAVENT (bass), SALVADOR NIEBLA (drums), the spiritual Indian singer and percussionist PABAN DAS BAUL, ADEL SALAMEH (Palastinian oud player), WAJAHAT KHAN (sarod), KALA RAMNATH (Indian violin) and PURBAYAN CHATTERJEE (sitar). In addition Eduardo has collaborated with many international musicians on their recordings including maestro bamboo flute player DEEPAK RAM on Searching for Satyam, which subsequently won best instrumental album at the 2000 South African Music Awards. He has worked with Craig David, George Michael and Belinda Carlisle, as well as numerous other artists, and is currently collaborating with Ben Watkins of juno reactor (composer for the Matrix films) on his new recording.

Eduardo was born in Tangiers to Andalusian parents in 1955 and is the 7th son of the 7th child, regarded in mythology as a magical son. He has been resident in Britain since 1978, becoming a powerful force on the British music scene and influencing the trend for fusion and acoustic music across the world, whilst always remaining true to his humble roots and performing with an “exquisite melancholy” (The Scotsman) and consuming passion that is EDUARDO NIEBLA.

DETAILED BIOGRAPHY

Eduardo Niebla is one of eleven children, many of whom are talented artists: his brothers Jose (a painter) and Salvador (a drummer), together with Eduardo, are internationally acclaimed and respected.

Following political tension in Morocco he arrived as a refugee with his family in Girona in North East Spain, where Eduardo began his musical career on the accordion at the age of five. Three years later his older brother Antonio gave him his first guitar. He formed various bands during his teenage years, including LOS HELIOS, THE GUEVARA GROUP and METAFORA, and appeared at many concerts and festivals throughout the region. He also made regular radio appearances accompanying his sister Pilar reading poetry with flamenco guitar.

In 1973 he turned professional and founded the ‘symphonic-rock’ band ATILA. In addition to touring, they produced three hugely successful albums: The Beginning of the End (New Promotions), Intentions (BASF) and Reviure(EMI Odeon).

In 1975 ATILA toured France, taking part in several exhibitions of conceptual art with the Catalan painter Jaume Xifra. Eduardo also composed, arranged and played music for the Arab Theatre of Paris.

In Spain, ATILA were appearing regularly at every major music festival in the country. In addition to winning prizes and having many television appearances, they were voted one of the best groups of 1974-75 by both the Spanish public and music critics.

“Atila was the best act in the Canet Festival.” (Popular 1)

“The most brilliant moments arrived with the drum and guitar solos. The guitarist was mobbed and carried shoulder high!” (Record Express)

Eduardo was voted among the seventh best guitarists in the Hispanic peninsula. ATILA albums are now collectors’ items, fetching prices in excess of £750.

In 1978, Eduardo moved to London and first appeared on the music scene as a studio session player. By 1980, he had become a member of the group MOTHER GONG, with whom he recorded the album Fairy Tale (Charlie Records). In the same year he was invited to Ronnie Scott’s Club to perform in a duet with free-jazz saxophonist Lol Coxhill; since then they have played together on several occasions.

In 1981 Eduardo broadened his musical horizons and composed orchestral works for films and documentaries including Active Birth, RD Laing, Pablo Neruda (Madd Knipp Productions) and El Gato y la Paloma (Alan Productions). He also appeared as a guest artist on literary showcases with the writers and poets Fran Landesman and Mike Horovitz and at the openings of several international exhibitions of contemporary art.

In the same year he formed a new band under his own name, composing and arranging the music for his album Towards the Sun. Members included: Judy Gerratt (violin, Boston Pop Orchestra), Dennis Milner (double bass, London Philharmonic Orchestra), Mark Lorraine (French horn, New York Philharmonic Orchestra), Lol Coxhill (Saxophone), Didier Malerve (Flute - Gong), Lyn Dobson (saxophone and flute Show less