Ramon Ruiz is back with his band Alcazaba at George IV

After performing in the award-winning West End Musical "Zorro" Ramon Ruiz is back with his band Alcazaba at George IV on the 21st of June 2009 @ 8.00pm.

Alcazaba is a flamenco fusion band that has managed to successfully incorporate elements of Middle Eastern and Indian music into flamenco to create a vibrant and unique sound that can only be described as their own.

Spellbinding melodies and dazzling displays of virtuosity played to the electrifying beats and heart-wrenching vocals of flamenco have given the band a dedicated following in both the flamenco and world music scenes in the UK. Whilst fusion bands come and go, Alcazaba has achieved longevity due to both the breadth of knowledge displayed by the individual band members and their ability to create original compositions that are more an organic evolution of flamenco than a forced attempt at fusion.

Alcazaba was founded in 2005 by Ramón Ruiz, a virtuoso guitarist born and raised in the flamenco heartland of Andalusia; Attab Haddad, an innovative maestro passionate about flamenco as well as the musical traditions of his homeland; and Teymour Housego, a world-class flautist who grew up in New Delhi learning the bansuri (Indian bamboo flute) at the feet of his guru.

It was a chance meeting in London that brought them together. Given the historical influence of Islamic musical traditions across the Middle East, Spain and Northern India, compounded with the fact that the gypsies originated in India, it was clear from the start that there was enough common ground to form a group that transcended the barriers of musical tradition. The trio were joined shortly after by renowned percussionist Genevieve Wilkins and the talented flamenco cantaora (singer) Eva Piñero Mesa. Alcazaba was born.

Performances thus far include The Rise Festival, Cargo, the Vibe Bar, the Green Note, the Indian High Commission's Nehru Centre, St Ethelburga's Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, The Royal Asiatic Society, St Mary's Church, the New Camden Town Festival, Grahame Park Community Festival, the Quequmbar jazz club and the Dance Attic. Their début album is out in the UK on 6 July 2009 (Shivanova / Universal).

For more information visit: www.myspace.com/alcazabamusic For bookings contact Ramon on 07940 592138 or ramon_online@hotmail.com

June 11, 2009