Almaraya was inspired by Flamenco the music, art and poetry of
Al-Andalus, the original name of what is now Andalucia in Southern Spain. It
is not the traditional element which we seek to copy but the spirit
of the song, the dance, the poetry, with which we wish to infuse
our music. There are traditional elements but there is much which is
simply the songs and pieces that we love whether written by us or by
others; and sometimes just the improvisation of the moment.
Who is Almaraya
- myself Simon James on guitars, Michele Drees on percussion and vocals, Lynieve
Austin on vocals and Dave Markee on bass. Michele, Dave and I have been working
together now for eight years and six albums. Lynieve joined us in Summer 2004
for an album with Kymaera which was released in 2006. However Almaraya is
a completely new venture for all of us.
