Juan Carmona: Laberinto De Luz

Juan Carmona celebrates 40 years of a remarkable career in 2025, marking the occasion with the release of his album, Laberinto De Luz.

For those who have yet to discover this exceptional flamenco guitarist, his universe seamlessly blends jazz and world music. While his primary influences stem from Andalusia, the spirit of the entire Mediterranean is intricately woven into his compositions. His works and arrangements are widely recognized for their outstanding quality by professionals across the industry. This time, the album features an array of distinguished guests, including Al Di Meola, Montse Cortés, the Istanbul Strings Orchestra conducted by Samim Sakaryali, jazz trumpeter Nicolas Folmer, as well as Pierre Bertrand and Denis Leloup.

Voices have always been a driving force in his creative process. For those unfamiliar with the mesmerizing female voices of contemporary flamenco, this album offers a splendid opportunity to experience them. Carmona's guitar itself should be considered one of these voices. His playing engages in a profound dialogue, not only with vocalists, but also with the other instruments.

A true ambassador of shared artistry and musical diversity, Carmona extends the reach of flamenco far beyond its traditional boundaries. He affirms his role as a conduit of emotions, forging bridges between genres, cultures and audiences. Laberinto De Luz invites listeners into a labyrinth of luminous sounds, rich with emotion and creativity, where tradition and modernity merge in a subtle and universal harmony. The album notes quote this high praise from Di Meola, "Listening to Juan Carmona's latest album, I was struck by the depth and variety of voices, as well as by the exceptional virtuosity of his guitar playing. This beautifully produced album showcases contemporary compositions that wrap each piece in an enthralling atmosphere, always carried by Juan's magnificent guitar."

A tireless traveler through musical notes and styles, Carmona is undeniably one of the most significant voices in world jazz today. With 40 years of career experience and a wealth of profound encounters, he has never succumbed to artistic complacency. Instead, he has consistently delivered complex yet accessible works that can be appreciated by all. A remarkable melodist, he prioritizes sincerity and genuine dedication to bringing flamenco to a global audience.

Born in Lyon to a Spanish family exiled from North Africa, Carmona first took up the guitar at the age of 10 and has never let it go since. The instrument quickly became his universal key—an essential tool for forging his own identity and language. It served as a divining rod, leading him back to the Andalusia of his ancestors, where, as a young man, he studied under the greatest flamenco masters. It also became a compass, guiding him through countless musical paths and encounters, from his gypsy brothers to Di Meola, from Gnawa musicians to Indian traditions, from world stages to film sets.

Carmona has performed multiple times in the United States, receiving the same enthusiastic acclaim as in Europe. Let us hope that this album will bring him back to American audiences once more, for the delight of his many admirers.

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