Flamenco guitar was never meant to be the star of the show. Its traditional spot was in the back along with the clapping (palmas). All eyes and ears were on the dancers and the singers-until Paco de Lucia came along.
In the 1970s, de Lucia revolutionized flamenco by expanding not only the role of the guitar but also what is played on it. The jazz world caught up with him via his collaborations with Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell and Al Di Meola.
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