Myrddin De Cauter, Sonetos del Amor Oscuro

Biography

Myrddin De Cauter, the youngest son of renowned Belgian multi-instrumentalist Koen De Cauter, grew up in a vibrant family of artists and musicians in Belgium, where music was the core of daily life. Starting at age eleven, he learned clarinet in jazz and gypsy swing styles from his father, joining the family orchestra and gaining early stage experience. At fourteen, he discovered flamenco guitar, mastering its fundamentals under his father's guidance before traveling to Spain for masterclasses with luminaries like Manolo Sanlucar, Gerardo Nuñez, Rafaël Riqueni, and Enrique De Melchor. This foundation fueled his phenomenal technical virtuosity, always prioritizing musical depth over mere display.

De Cauter's career launched with his debut album Imre in 2000 (or 2001 per some sources) on Culture/MAP Records, featuring solo flamenco guitar and tracks with his brother Dajo on double bass, establishing him as a key figure in Belgium's flamenco scene. His 2005 album Novar (Munich Records) expanded sonically with contributions from singers Wannes Van de Velde and José Ligero, percussionist José Toral, and pianist Vigdis De Cauter (his sister). The 2009 release Lucía Nieve (Zephyrus Records) showcased his evolving style, blending flamenco with jazz, classical, and experimental elements, including guests like Gabriel Rios and a jazz ensemble on the Kundalini composition. He performs solo or with ensembles including vocals, percussion, double bass, and piano, and has composed for contemporary classical projects.

Renowned for his unique fusion of pure flamenco tradition with jazz and classical influences, De Cauter is hailed as one of Flanders' most talented guitarists and a virtuoso who transcends Spanish origins. Recent works include collaborations like Zwaluwe (2023) with daughter Imre on cello, albums such as Longhin (Vol 2), and projects with the BOW Quartet, bridging improvisation and classical strings. His legacy continues through family musical lineage and acclaim from outlets like Klara, Jazz&Mo, and Rootstime for his emotional, rhythmic, and poetic genius.

Fun Facts

• Grew up in a house with an 'unhealthy amount of instruments,' where art was the 'beating heart' rather than luxury.
• Debuted on stage at age eleven with the family orchestra after learning clarinet from his father.
• His album Lucía Nieve (2009) features a 60-minute Kundalini composition with 12 jazz musicians, Slovenian fujara by Winne Clement, Gabriel Rios, and violinist Michael Bezverkhny.
• Recent album Zwaluwe with daughter Imre was recorded in a small chapel in Valouse, Drome region, southern France.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Koen De Cauter - Father and primary teacher (Clarinet (jazz/gypsy), flamenco guitar basics) [Childhood, age 11-14]
• Manolo Sanlucar - Flamenco guitar masterclass teacher (Flamenco technique development) [Teens]
• Gerardo Nuñez - Flamenco guitar masterclass teacher (Flamenco composition inspiration) [Teens]
• Rafaël Riqueni - Flamenco guitar masterclass teacher (Advanced flamenco skills) [Teens]
• Enrique De Melchor - Flamenco guitar masterclass teacher (Flamenco virtuosity) [Teens]

Key Collaborators

• Dajo De Cauter - Brother, double bass player (Album Imre (2000/2001)) [Early 2000s]
• Wannes Van de Velde - Singer (Album Novar (2005))
• José Ligero - Frequent singer (Sevillian-born) (Albums Novar (2005), Lucía Nieve (2009), live performances) [2005-2009+]
• José Toral - Percussionist and second guitar (Album Novar (2005))
• Vigdis De Cauter - Sister, pianist (Album Novar (2005))
• Imre De Cauter - Daughter, cellist (Album Zwaluwe (2023), Ghent Jazz Festival debut (2018)) [2018-2023]
• Nino de los Reyes - Flamenco dancer/percussionist (Collaborative performances with bass/drums/cello) [Recent]
• BOW Quartet - String ensemble (violin, viola, cello) (Joint performances blending classical/improvisation) [Recent]

Artists Influenced

• Imre De Cauter - Daughter continuing family legacy on cello (Zwaluwe (2023), selected for Klara’s 'De Twintigers' (2023)) [2018-2023]

External Links

• Spotify