ABSTRACT

This chapter explores how different readings of locality (local and regional) are articulated through the flamenco guitar. The guitar has gained immense popularity and prestige at local, regional, national and international levels. As such, it has become a tool in wider efforts to unify Andalusian flamenco through educational settings, institutional performances and the world music industry, both as an emblem of regional identity and as an ambassador for Andalusian culture abroad. In order to uncover the alternative readings of flamenco guitar style, the author draws primarily from interactions with two guitarists in Granada: Rafael Hoces Ortega and Melchor Cordoba Santiago. Rafael's training, professional life, didactic approach, repertoire and musical 'worldview' are arguably indicative of a more regional approach to the flamenco guitar. On the other hand, Melchor's position as a chief exponent of a granadino school of guitar performance situates him as a musical embodiment of his locality.