Rafael Cortés Group and Dancers - Flamenco in Concert

Rafael's last performances here at the club can confidently be described as world class. We had tears in our eyes with enthusiasm, that's how moving these concert experiences were. It was no coincidence that autograph sessions with Rafael were overrun in no time and the merchandise stand was sold out. We are very much looking forward to the unique flamenco style of this guitarist, who has nothing to hide even from Don Paco.

Rafael Cortés discovered his love of the guitar at an early age. His grandfather "Octavio Cortès Maya" gave him his first handmade instrument at the age of three and also gave him his first lessons. The first professional guitar teacher decided to stop teaching when his pupil was 14 years old. The reasoning was simple and convincing: "There is nothing more I can teach you.

Over the years, Rafael Cortés perfected his technique and his personal style. His musical development repeatedly incorporated modern classical elements, as well as elements from the Latin and jazz genres. Even though his interpretations and own compositions are characterized by his own personal style, the tradition of flamenco is always present. In 1985, Rafael Cortés performed his first solo concert at the Zeche Carl in Essen, in 1990 he sat in a recording studio for the first time and in 1995 he composed tracks for the movie The Beach of Trouville.

In 1999 Rafael Cortés released his first own album: "Eclipse de Luna", in 2001 the 2nd album "Gitanos del Agua" was released, this recording was complemented by well-known stars such as Javier Baron, El Cigala, Domingo Patricio, Angela Bautista, in the legendary recording studio Musitron in Madrid. In 2004, the artist's third album "Campo Libre" was produced, featuring the flamenco pop ballad with Spain's megastar ROSA, which led to numerous television appearances on Spanish television.

In 2006, a live CD with the best moments from the 2005 concerts was released. In the same year, he shared the stage for the second time with the "guitar god" Paco de Lucia at the Jazz Days in Leverkusen, where there was also a special friendship between two musicians of different generations. The current production "Alcaiceria" was released in 2007.

Rafael Cortes has not only gained an enthusiastic and loyal audience, he has also built up intensive and productive friendships with the stars of the flamenco scene... he has worked with many international flamenco stars in the studio and on stage, including Carmen Ledesma, Concha Vargas, Tomas de Madrid, Javier Baron, Maria Serrano, Domingo Patricio, Carles Benavent, Tommy Emmanuel...

At his current live shows, Rafael Cortés is accompanied by a variety of musicians. At his sold-out shows in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Holland and Spain, he is enthusiastically celebrated by fans and the press. Standing ovations from the audience are not uncommon with Rafael Cortés.