About
New Flamenco guitarist, music producer, and composer who has earned placement on Billboard's Top New Age Albums chart with several of his albums. He has released numerous studio albums, including "Gypsy Flame," which was certified Gold in Australia, "Isla del Sol," and "Lost in Paradise." He has earned worldwide repute for his unique synthesis of jazz and traditional Spanish melodies, forming a singular genre called Nuevo Flamenco.
Before Fame
Pawning his watch in exchange for a classical guitar when he was just 7 years old, he practiced the craft in secret in his family's basement. He became a professional recording artist when he was only 12 years old and was widely considered to be a child prodigy before embarking upon his solo career in the year 1994.
Trivia
He earned such widespread recognition for his talent and ingenuity that a Spanish luthier by the name of Pedro Maldonado invented a completely new instrument for him to play called the Rubia. During the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, 2 of his original songs were featured throughout the floor exercises of Romanian gymnast Daniela Sofronie.
Family Life
He was born in Iran by the name of Armik Dashchi and is of Armenian descent. After his mother discovered his hidden guitar, she became aware of his unmistakable talent and his family went on to fund his pursuit of professional music lessons.
Associated With
Manolo Sanlucar and Paco de Lucía are also famous guitarists well-known for their compositions in the flamenco genre.
