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The Gypsy Crims are a Melbourne Based duo/trio that perform regularly around Melbourne in some of the best Spanish bars, They perform all original flamenco guitar music accompanied by the Cajon flamenco drum, For events where dancing is a must the Gypsy Crims can perform in larger formats playing Gypsy Kings rumba flamenco style. The Gypsy Crims are Orlando and Miguelito. Orlando has been composing flamenco guitar music since he started playing flamenco. He began studying flamenco at 15, teaching himself and creating his own original style of playing within the strict form of flamenco compass (timing) by watching and listening to Gitanos (gypsy) flamenco musicians. Obsessed with flamenco he has devoted his life to the music, creating original compositions true to the flamenco art form. Seeing flamenco as a way of life, Orlando has reached a stage of proficiency in his composition that is unparalleled in its originality and soulfulness in Australia and has earned the respect of musicians world wide, including Tommy Emmanuel (Aus), Ginesa Ortega (Spain), Misirli Ahmet (Turkey), Mario Reyes (France) and even Paco De Lucia (Spain) who is recognised as the world’s best flamenco guitarist and innovator of flamenco. Michael Kontochristos accompanies the guitar with his Cajon Flamenco drum and was born into a musical family. He has performed locally, with world bands including Azuca Negra, Bad Boys Batacada and Arte Kanela, over the last 26 years, as-well as performing overseas. He is considered to be Australia's leading percussionist and has graduated in a double degree, as well as taught percussion at V.C.A. He has been instructor to many percussionists who are now leading professionals in Melbourne. Now finding his place as a Crim, Migelito shows the Spaniards how it's done with his jaw-dropping solos and insane speed. The Gypsy Crims' most favoured palos (form) is the Bulerias (Bull- e- ri-as) which is loved by their regular followers who are familiar with the 12/8 timing. Other listeners new to flamenco raved about the in-depth technicality of their music even though the style was new to them.
Tommy Emmanuel, Australia's most recognised guitarist, said of their sound: 'Awesome music. Your stuff is really incredible' |
