January 2nd saw the passing of guitarist Larry Reinhardt. He was the player who replaced Erik Brann in Iron Butterfly and was the guitarist on their Metamorphosis album. He went from there to Captain Beyond in 1971, forming the band with Iron Butterfly bassist Lee Dorman. The band had some success, eventually breaking up in 1973. He then played with Bobby Womack in the mid 70’s and reformed Captain Beyond 1976, breaking up again the following year. The balance of his career consisted of many tours as part of an Iron Butterfly reunion group and a final reformation of Captain Beyond in 2000.
I was checking out some music news sites and read that Enrique de Melchor, a Spanish guitar great had passed away on January 1. I do not normally listen to flamenco type music, but, for some reason went to YouTube to check him out. He had been glowingly described as one of the greatest Spanish guitar players of all time, I love the guitar, so, potentially a perfect match. I was amazed. This guy was great. A superb talent whose departure has indeed lessened the tapestry of the world’s music community. I cannot believe how effortlessly he makes that instrument become ethereal. Please spend a moment or two and listen to the attached video.
Enrique de Melchor – por Rumbas