Biography
Sebastián Domínguez Lozano, known as Chano Domínguez, was born on March 26, 1960, in Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain—the cradle of flamenco. He began playing guitar by ear around age 8, immersing himself in flamenco traditions before exploring rock keyboards and progressive rock. In his late teens and early twenties, he joined the group CAI, recording three albums (Más Allá de Nuestras Mentes Diminutas, Noche Abierta, and Canción de Primavera) from 1978 to 1980 on Columbia, influenced by jazz fusion acts like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, and Return to Forever.
After CAI disbanded in the early 1980s, Domínguez joined the Cádiz jazz ensemble Hixcadix and shifted toward jazz, drawing from Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and especially Paco de Lucía's jazz-flamenco innovations. In 1992, he formed his first jazz trio, won First Prize in Spain's National Jazz Competition for Young Performers, and released his debut as a leader, Chano (1993), followed by Diez de Paco (1994). He has since released over 20 albums, pioneering a unique flamenco-jazz fusion with post-bop structures, performing original works alongside reinterpretations of Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, Harold Arlen, and Joaquín Rodrigo. Notable projects include Coplas de Madruga with Martirio and the Grammy-nominated Flamenco Sketches (2012) on Blue Note.
Domínguez's style integrates jazz improvisation with flamenco rhythms like bulerías, soleás, tangos, and alegrías, earning him international acclaim, including a 2020 National Prize for Current Music from Spain's Ministry of Culture. He has collaborated with global ensembles like the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and WDR Big Band, featured in Fernando Trueba's Calle 54 (2000), and maintains ongoing duos with Javier Colina, Hadar Noigber, and Stefano Bollani, alongside his core trio with Horacio Fumero and David Xirgu.
Fun Facts
- Received a 2016 Latin Grammy nomination as producer, composer, and pianist on flamenco singer Blas Córdoba's album Bendito.
- Gained international exposure performing his composition 'Oye Como Viene' in Fernando Trueba’s Grammy-winning documentary Calle 54 (2000).
- Started on flamenco guitar by ear as a child in Cádiz before switching to piano; also played keyboards in progressive rock.
- Nominated for a Grammy in 2012 for Flamenco Sketches on Blue Note, blending Miles Davis sketches with flamenco.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Paco de Lucía - Primary stylistic inspiration for jazz-flamenco fusion (Diez de Paco album) [1980s onward]
- Bill Evans - Key jazz piano influence after fusion phase (General stylistic development) [1980s]
- Thelonious Monk - Major jazz influence; frequently interprets his music (Various albums including flamenco-jazz reinterpretations) [1980s onward]
Key Collaborators
- Martirio - Flamenco singer on joint projects (Coplas de Madruga) [1990s]
- Paquito D’Rivera - Extensive jazz collaborations (Multiple recordings) [1990s-2010s]
- Wynton Marsalis - Performance with Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (Original compositions performed by the orchestra) [2000s]
- Javier Colina - Long-term duo partner (20+ years) (Duo performances and recordings) [2000s-present]
- Horacio Fumero - Bassist in core trio (Trio albums) [1990s-present]
- David Xirgu - Drummer in core trio (Trio albums) [1990s-present]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Chano Dominguez has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.