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 �” ex Soft Machine) Salvador Niebla (drums and percussion), John Mackenzie (electric bass), Elise Lorraine (vocals) and Zandy Gordon (Keyboards).

“Eduardo is the new Paganini” (Dennis Milner, LPO)

It was in 1983 that he started the acclaimed EDUARDO NIEBLA GUITAR DUO. In this format he found a much more prominent vehicle for his guitar expertise. The act has been repeatedly named as the best guitar duo on the European circuit:

“Stunning flamenco jazz guitar pyrotechnics.” (The Sound)

“The undisputed highlight of this year’s Glastonbury Festival. Quite simply brilliant.” (The Sound)

The EDUARDO NIEBLA GUITAR DUO has appeared at every major concert venue in the UK, as well as at every major guitar festival. They have also appeared at the Wembley Arena where they were guests on the BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST European Tour in 1983 which took them to all major European cities. The duo tours Europe every year and has made many television appearances both on regional and national television in these countries.

Early releases include Light and Shade, Eurotour, Celebration, Music Without Frontiers and Poema. Duo partners include Bob Grant, Emilio Maya, Antonio Forcione, Pepe Justicia, Michele Cea, Dominic Grant, Victor Unukovsky, Mark Johns, Giorgio Serci, Miguel Moreno, Hugo Elizalde, Dario Rosetti Bonell & Carl Herring.

In 1990 at the San Isidro Fiesta in Madrid, they played at the Rockodromo Arena at the close of the ceremony to an audience of 35,000 people:

“Impressive“ (Diario de Granada)

“A great triumph in this week’s jazz festival.“ (Diario de Almeria)

In September 1992 he started THE EDUARDO NIEBLA TRIO with master tabla player Sukhvinder Singh and the Indian sarod player Wajahat Khan. As a result, Eduardo composed and recorded many new works that pursued the best of both cultures, ranging from the most explosive to the deepest meditative feelings. International tours followed.

In 1994, Eduardo toured South Africa, performing solo concerts with great success. He took the opportunity to do some research on local music, which inspired him to write many new compositions.

The same year the Russian jazz guitarist, Victor Unukovsky, joined THE EDUARDO NIEBLA GUITAR DUO and this collaboration led to the recording I Can Fly Now CD (1996) and to many UK tours.

“Niebla wove a stunning kaleidoscopic array of sonic textures, part classical, part flamenco, tinged with jazz and latin hues; passionate and gorgeously ornamented, built around melodies of exquisite melancholy.” (The Scotsman)

At the same time Eduardo was invited to join Yehudi Menuhin's Live Music Now! scheme and gave hundreds of charity concerts in day centres, prisons, schools and hospitals.

“The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone… the musicians’ enthusiasm and exceptional musicality was an inspiration to us all.” (Thornage Hall - community for people with learning disabilities)

In January ‘95 Eduardo met the Palestinian oud player Adel Salameh. Their collaboration resulted in many international appearances at concert halls and festivals to great reviews and their work can be heard on the recording Mediterraneo CD (1996).

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

In August 1996 theEDUARDO NIEBLA TRIO (with Wajahat Khan on sarod and Sukhvinder Singh on tablas) had a very successful tour in Spain, culminating in a new recording Magic Nights CD (1996).

A year later Eduardo teamed up with gypsy singer and percussionist Paban Das Baul recording a set of very beautiful and traditional Indian gypsy songs, arranged and produced by himself. In the same year he recorded duets for guitar and Indian bamboo flute, featuring Deepak Ram. He also met Indian sitar virtuoso, Purbayan Chatterjee, culminating in a set of new compositions and recordings.

In 1998, THE EDUARDO NIEBLA GUITAR DUO undertook a very intense and successful tour of Europe, presenting an electrifying programme of his compositions. Concert after concert he left audiences spellbound, and repeatedly received standing ovations:

“No recording can do full justice to the thunderstorm of this musician in full flow �” deep booming chords interspersed with lightning percussive effects…his language is full of hot, dark, Mediterranean passion.” (The Scotsman)

In the same year he also started THE EDUARDO NIEBLA EXPERIENCE, comprising tabla player Sanjay Jhalla and guitar accompanist, Giorgio Serci. Concerts followed in Spain and in the UK.

“His music transports you to a higher level… sensitive, intricate and fantastically rhythmical… His fingers penetrate all the secrets of the guitar… He is an artist with new ways of understanding and making music.” (Diari de Balears)

In February 1999, Eduardo was invited to record an album with bamboo flute player, Deepak Ram, Searching for Satyam, which consequently won Best Instrumental Album at the 2000 South African Music Awards. This led to meeting master tabla player Partha Sarathi Mukherjee and a new association was formed. Eduardo took him on a 1999 EDUARDO NIEBLA EXPERIENCE tour of Spain, London and Scotland:

“The versatility with which he imbues his guitar is truly breathtaking, whether performing his poignantly poetic melodies or accompanying a truly fabulous transcontinental performance.” (The Scotsman)

“Dramatic, emotional, spicy, fleet-fingered… Niebla continues to play from the heart.” (The Herald)

In addition THE EDUARDO NIEBLA GUITAR DUO appeared in November of that year at the Tbilisi International Jazz Festival in Giorgia.

1999 also saw the release of The Gift, featuring THE EDUARDO NIEBLA EXPERIENCE launched at the South Bank Centre, London and the Phoenix Arts Centre, Leicester.

“A stunning collection of originals…which works wonderfully well, showing what Jelly Roll Morton called “the Spanish tinge” is still a potent force.” (Jazz UK)

This was immediately followed by an acclaimed 2 week tour of South Africa with Deepak Ram.

In 2000 Eduardo continued to appear at festivals and concerts halls throughout the UK, including a tour of Northern Ireland in September.

“A display of supernatural talent… and a spellbinding mixture of flamenco and modern jazz… bursting with obvious passion and verve.” (The Spectator)

This was followed by international tours to Mallorca, Switzerland and Amsterdam.

In 2001 THE EDUARDO NIEBLA EXPERIENCE with Partha Sarathi Mukherjee (tabla) and Giorgio Serci (guitar accompaniment) was awarded an Arts Council of England grant and undertook an extensive UK tour. This was followed by a series of concerts in Beirut, Lebanon with Deepak Ram and tours with THE EDUARDO NIEBLA GUITAR DUO to Austria and Spain. Eduardo also received a grant from Yorkshire Arts towards the composition and recording of new works.

At the beginning of 2002 he was invited to collaborate with Indian singer Sanchita Pal and the legendary sarangi player Pandit Ramesh Misra, composing new pieces for their tour of the UK in February and March. This was followed by an intensive tour with THE EDUARDO NIEBLA GUITAR DUO in April to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Estonia, where he received an ecstatic reception and many standing ovations:

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

May 2002 also saw Eduardo appear at the Royal Festival Hall, London to a standing ovation and resulted in the highest number ever of cds sold on an evening by an artist at the Hall. In June he performed at the Barbican, London with Adel Salameh (Palestinian oud player) and Salvador Niebla (drums) as part of the Mediterranean Arts Festival and undertook tours of the UK, supported by Jazz Services, including performing at the West End Festival Glasgow.

“Niebla is the King of Latin guitar.” (Time Out) “A World Class Virtuoso.” (Time Out) “An exhilarating performer.” (Jazz Journal)

In the autumn of 2002 he presented his new compositions for quartet on a sell out tour of the UK, funded by Arts Council of England, accompanied by Hugo Elizalde (guitar), Henry Raad (double bass), Simon Lee (drums) and Lebanese percussionist Rony Barrak.

The following Spring ’03 he flew to the Ukraine and presented a brilliant concert tour with his guitar duo, which also took them to Switzerland, Austria, Hungary and Germany.

February ‘04 saw the launch of his new cd Natural to a sell out audience at the South Bank Centre London, featuring world class musicians Salvador Niebla (percussion / drums), Carles Benavent (bass), Purbayan Chatterjee (sitar), Kala Ramnath (Indian violin) and Satyajit Talwalkar (tabla).

“A formidable guitarist … a beautifully sequenced disc by a musically fluent master of today's generation … hugely enjoyable ... experimental ... with many stunning moments. Unbelievably invigorating.” (Songlines World Music Magazine)

This was followed by recordings with Ben Watkins of Juno Reactor (composer of the music for the Matrix films) and a concert tour of Austria with his guitar duo.

Eduardo has also produced recordings for many other musicians and collaborated in countless productions that have encompassed a whole spectrum of musical styles. Benefactors of his talents include George Michael, Craig David, Belinda Carlisle, Tom Newman, Gary Grant and The Sailors to name but a few.

Summer 04 saw Eduardo appear to an ecstatic reception at the OLYMPIC GAMES IN GREECE and at the Ethno Jazz Festival Moldavia and the Odessa Jazz Carnival in the Ukraine. UK concert tours stretched from the furthest regions of Scotland to the Golowan Festival in Penzance, including concerts at St. David's Hall Cardiff, The Queens Hall Edinburgh, the International Guitar Festival of Great Britain and the Canterbury Festival.

At the end of the year he completed his cd Lights from the Inner Side, which he launched at his South Bank Centre concert in London on 4th February 05. As in Natural the recording features stunning performance by Eduardo and internationally acclaimed musicians Salvador Niebla (percussion / drums), Carles Benavent (bass), Purbayan Chatterjee (sitar), Kala Ramnath (Indian violin) and Satyajit Talwalkar (tabla):

“an imaginative and stimulating instrumental set in which flamenco is infused with classical Indian music and a contemporary jazz edge ... top class playing and beautiful themes ... wonderful tracks ... which completely enfold the listener.” (Songlines World Music Magazine)

Eduardo also toured extensively in 2005, appearing at concert halls and festivals throughout the UK including Vibraphonic in Exeter, Kirkmichael International Guitar Festival, Beverley and Criccieth Festivals, and at a concert in Mumbai India with sitar maestro NISHAT KHAN. In addition he was invited to give a showcase concert at WOMEX, the world music expo, and masterclasses and concerts at the Royal Welsh College of Music in Cardiff and Leeds College of Music.

2006 was also a busy year for Eduardo with concert tours in the Spring to Scotland and at numerous arts venues throughout the UK including at the Four Four Time Festival Buxton Opera House, The Croydon Clocktower, The Sage Gateshead, Theatr Mwldan, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, The Brighton Dome and The Lighthouse Poole.

In March, Eduardo was invited by The British Council to give concerts in Amman and Irbid in Jordan with the traditional Nawazen Ensemble and UK tabla player Sanju Sahai. There he premiered his new compositions for Spanish guitar, oud, violin, bass, qanoun and Middle Eastern and Indian percussion to a great reception. Eduardo is now working on these tracks for his new album at his studio in North Yorkshire, UK.

2006 also saw Eduardo appear in the UK at the South Bank Centre London, the Stephen Joseph Theatre Scarborough, the Marlborough and Brecon International Jazz Festivals, the Ards Guitar Festival Northern Ireland, St. George's Bristol and numerous theatres and arts centres.

2007 Projects: An acclaimed concert at the JAIPUR FESTIVAL INDIA with Rajasthani gypsy musicians from the desert, sponsored by The British Council.

BBC2 “The Culture Show” appearance.

A concert tour of AUSTRIA in March, including a performance at Joe Zawinul's “Birdland” in Vienna.

Concert tours throughout the UK, including a sell out South Bank Centre concert in London, appearances at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, The Chester Festival, the Lichfield Jazz Festival and the Brecon International Jazz Festival, filmed by the BBC for a documentary on world jazz broadcast on BBC4. Other performances included St. George's Bristol, Whitby Musicport & The International Guitar Festival of Great Britain.

2 Commissions: the first by Chameleon TV to write the music for the new Planetarium at Harewood House near Leeds, a piece involving computer generated graphics and poetry by accalimed Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan.

2nd Commission was by The Ripon International Festival - a multimedia piece premiered on 12th October involving 150 young people and local musicians for Spanish guitar, church organ, choirs, percussion, brass, strings, piano, bass, drums & electronica, with lyrics by Ian McMillan. The project was filmed for ITV Yorkshire's “My Yorkshire” series and broadcast on 20th March 08.

2008-9 Projects: Eduardo started the year with an acclaimed 14 date concert tour of Ireland accompanied by guitarist Carl Herring, appearing on “The View” on Irish television and on top radio shows. This was immediately followed by a tour of Scotland's remote Highlands and Islands, culminating in a concert at the new An Lanntair on the Isle of Lewis.

In April he gave a sensational concert at The Cultural & Heritage Centre in Abu Dhabi with Carl Herring and Lebanese darbouka player Rony Barrak, sponsored by The British Council, and later worked with top musicians from Bait Al Oud (The Oud House), described as “an incubator for oud and qanoon talent”.

May-June saw appearances in Palma and Felanitx in Mallorca with THE EDUARDO NIEBLA EXPERIENCE, where he received a standing ovation. UK summer concerts included the Royal International Pavilion Llangollen, West End Festival Glasgow, North Devon Festival, Hebden Bridge Festival & the Marlborough Jazz Festival.

In July he was invited to be a guest artist in a Darbar Festival concert in London with young Indian vocalist Nina Virdee and leading Indian musicians based in the UK. This was followed a month later with an invitation to appear at a grand concert in Kolkata India to celebrate Indian Independence Day with sitar virtuoso Purbayan Chatterjee and some of the most highly acclaimed musicians from the country. Many television and press interviews followed.

In November 2008 Eduardo undertook a 6 date concert tour of Spain with his trio, appearing at the Lugo Jazz Festival, L'Auditori Sagunto, Barcleona, Ciudad Real, Ibiza & Formentera to great receptions and tv and press interviews.

Eduardo continues to tour extensively throughout the UK; 2008-9 concerts include Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, The South Bank Centre London, The Sage Gateshead, St. George's Bristol, the New Vic Theatre Newcastle under Lyme. St. David's Hall Cardiff and festivals and arts centres throughout the country.

Eduardo will also tour Austria and Germany in March with his GUITAR DUO and Spain and Portugal in November 2009 with THE EDUARDO NIEBLA EXPERIENCE.

In between touring he is recording his new album at his studio in North Yorkshire, due for release later this year.

Recent TV & Radio appearances include: BBC4 “World of Jazz” ITV Yorkshire “My Yorkshire” RTE1 “The View” BBC Radio 3 “In Tune” RTE Radio 1 “Today with Pay Kenny” BBC Radio Ulster “Arts Extra” U105fm “George Jones Show” Please log onto www.youtube.com/nieblatheguitarist to view.

After all these years of dedication to composing, arranging and performing music distributed world-wide, Eduardo Niebla has now achieved international recognition for his expertise and amazing creativity on the guitar. Music critics have declared him a world class guitar player and composer of a great human universality.

“Niebla proves his mastery and composing genius with every touch.” (Die Rheinpfalz)