Fortune falls in mysterious ways.
I found out about Juan's visit to Oman to play a concert during
the Muscat Festival 2003 via a fax from a fellow musician with
whom I had worked with in the RAF Central Band over many years,
Paul Fawcus. They arrived at Seeb Airport near to midnight on
Sunday January 11th. I was at the airport to welcome Paul to Oman,
our last meeting being quite a few years ago when he left the
RAF. I was introduced to Juan Martin, Chris Curan (Dudley Moores'
drummer) Abdul Salam Kheir - Oud and Vocals, Luis Chicano the
female flamenco dancer, and Helen Martin. The male dancer El Tigre
arrived the following evening.
On the following day I went to
see the ensemble rehearse at the Intercon Hotel. This was a privilege
to be at such close quarters and be able to watch a master of
the flamenco guitar at work.We met up again later in the evening
in Senor Peco's, a Mexican restaurant in the hotel. Chatting to
Chris and Juan it transpired that our paths had crossed musically
over the years, so lively conversataion ensued.
