| Roger Scannura | |
| Background: | non_vocal_instrumentalist |
| Birth Date: | June 19 |
| Birth Place: | Birzebbugia, Malta |
| Genre: | Flamenco |
| Years Active: | 1991-Present |
| Label: | CD Baby |
| Associated Acts: | Ritmo Flamenco |
Roger Scannura is a flamenco guitarist and an exponent of nuevo flamenco.
Scannura was born on Malta. His early schooling began at the Franciscan Monastery of St. Theresa, where he was tutored in European history, Latin, fine art and art restoration. He has been immersed in music since early childhood and mastered the techniques and nuances of flamenco guitar while in Spain for 12 years under the auspices of Pepe Habichuela and other gypsy masters. He has toured Europe and North America as a soloist and as a music director for several flamenco dance companies. He is also a founder of a small Toronto-based dance company, Ritmo Flamenco. Scannura with his group has performed for prime ministers, dignitaries as well as an assortment of celebrities, including Russell Crowe and Sting. Scannura has recorded six CDs of original flamenco music encompassing both traditional and modern styles.
JazzReview.com [1] reviews Encore!:
There are a number of impressive guitarists courageous enough to tackleflamenco. Few are as convincing and awe inspiring as Roger Scannura.Encore is a sampler from each of the Toronto-based Malta native’s fourreleases. Each, judging by this, must be a stunner, as there is nothinghere that qualifies as anything less.
The opening “Burnin’ Up” offers handclaps, dancing (Ritmo Flamenco is aToronto based Flamenco dance company), violin and bass – at least.Unfortunately, there is no credit given to the accompanying players onthe disc. The violinist is especially stunning. The guitarist, it goeswithout saying, is breathtaking. Through the eight tunes that comprisethis delightful disc, feet play a prominent role. As with all authenticflamenco, it is a marriage of the guitar and the dancer.
On the gorgeous ballad of “Marissa,” solo guitar takes center stage,though the robust dancing is never tucked too far into the background.The melodic “Summerwine” is heart wrenchingly beautiful. As on“Marissa,” the dancing is accompanist to the player. “Angelica” is alilting number that showcases guitar work as fine as I’ve ever heard inany context. Again, with no personnel listing on the insert, the playersgo un-credited. The electric guitar that fills in here is superb.
The classic sounding “El Ritmo” is filled out with infectious clappingand dancing, and “Colmenares,” with its slinky flute accompaniment,along with the dancers, is hypnotic. The closing “Misterio” again ismade the more magical by the addition of the violinist, percussion anddancing. This is a must-have for fans of flamenco music.
Reviewed by: Mark E. Gallo
"...a gifted composer whose music is as beautiful as it is haunting."-The Globe and MailFebruary 2009.
"Rarely is Flamenco guitar played so eloquently with just the right amount of passion and grace."-20th Century Guitar MagazineFebruary 2009.
| Year | Album Name | Instruments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Spanish Dance |
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| 1994 | Ritmo Flamenco |
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| 1996 | Saracen |
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| 1998 | Medina |
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| 2000 | Misterio |
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| 2003 | Encore |
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| 2005 | Noche Flamenca |
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-scannura-08610b23https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2015/03/25/flamenco-is-a-family-affair-for-roger-valerie-and-anjelica-scannura.htmlhttp://www.ideacity.ca/speaker/roger-scannura/