PANCHO ÁLVAREZ

A native of Galicia, he was introduced to the guitar by his older brothers. He then studied violin at the Vigo Conservatory before joining the group Na Lúa, with whom he played for 15 years. Alongside his collaboration with Carlos Núñez, Pancho has built a solo career that now sees him offering us his seventh album, Violíns no Camiño. With this album, he takes us on a musical journey between the violin and Galician tradition. Although he plays no fewer than fifteen instruments, from acoustic guitar to viola da gamba, psaltery to medieval harp, concertina to electric guitar, it is the violin that is the main focus and symbol of an emotional journey through Galician tradition.

Pancho chose to isolate himself during 2024 to record, mix and produce this superb album on his own. What we have here is an incredible demonstration of his many talents, characterised by a veritable arsenal of stringed instruments that he plays. Traditional instruments sit in perfect harmony with the electric guitar and percussion, which are much more contemporary.

There are a dozen tracks here, seven of which are traditional songs arranged by Pancho and five composed by this gifted musician. You will recognise some of the major pieces from the Galician repertoire, Alborada De Veiga and Marcha Do Antergo Reino De Galicia, as well as Cantigas 25-159, which opens the album.
Pancho leaves his mark on all the tracks, giving them a new sensitivity and freshness. A musician who deserves to be better known in France.

Altafonte ALTIB0860 - www.panchoalvarez.com