Spanish Wedding Guitarist | Classical Music Magic

Spanish Wedding Guitarist: The Perfect Serenade for the Perfect Day…

We are delighted to feature the brilliant Jesus Gomez in today’s article; one of the most talented and experienced wedding guitarist’s in southern Spain.

Music often plays a special part in a bridal couple’s day, particularly when it comes to destination venue weddings on the Costa del Sol, and Sunshine Weddings have been working with this wonderful musician for a number of years, so it was wonderful to catch up with Jesus during the quieter season to find out a little more about the man behind the music:

Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us, Jesus. How long have you been playing the guitar? And how long have you specifically been playing the guitar at weddings?
I began to play the guitar when I was 11 or 12 years old, but I officially started my musical studies at the Marbella Conservatory at the age of 9-10 years, studying music theory, followed by classic guitar in my final two years there. Shortly after that, I began to study Flamenco Guitar and Electric Guitar doing gigs and playing for private events too – and I am still doing so today.

I began working in the wonderful world of weddings in 2017 and every year just gets better and better. I cover weddings not only on Costa del Sol, but in the UK, too.

Who have been your biggest musical influences, from childhood, through to becoming an adult?
With no doubt Paco de Lucía! For me he has always been the main reference in Flamenco Guitar having the biggest success possible around the world. And I remember when I was a teenager I was allowed to go to my first Paco de Lucía concert – I had goosebumps for the entire performance. I have honestly never experienced the fullness and joy of that evening again! He truly opened up the Flamenco style for other music genres, such as Jazz, creating a new sound in his compositions. So Flamenco-Jazz has to be my favourite style.

Where are you favourite locations to play on the Costa del Sol, and why?
Well, this a difficult question because I have always had the good fortune to play wonderful venues: luxury hotels from Málaga to Marbella and Estepona; nice beach clubs and restaurants, and a lot of spectacular private villages – event ancient castles!

What was the most memorable wedding you performed at in 2019?
That’s a difficult question to answer, too! This last year I was lucky enough to meet some incredible couples, and I really enjoyed having the chance to help them create some beautiful moments during their wedding day. If I had to choose, it would probably be one of last summer’s weddings in Suffolk (UK), where I played guitar. I became good friends with the bridal couple and we keep in regular contact. Another very entertaining wedding celebration was at Santa Catalina Castle (Málaga) last September where all the guests started to sing “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…” with their hands in the air. It was a very fun and surreal moment.

Do you ever perform with other musicians?
Yes of course. I use to played a lot with my band called Almoraima (a quarter with guitar, sax or trumpet, electric bass or double bass) which can offer two options:

– Flamenco-Jazz (more elegant)
– Funk-Pop-Disco (perfect to dance)

I used to play with a female singer too, so my music has been and continues to be varied, and compatible with other musicians and artists.

Do you perform set pieces, or can you tailor-make your performance to include songs of the bridal couples’ choice?
I’m a flexible musician and I can adapt my repertoire to the specific request of customers; performing solely Flamenco guitar, or modern music, or mixing both styles (this is the best option, because the amazing feedback of the guests is palpable! And yes, I can add songs selected for the bridal couples too.

How would you describe your style and what makes it particularly suited to a wedding?
I have the skill to play in several styles. I love mixing international themes from pop, jazz and rock with flamenco, giving my music a special and unique identity .

Outside of the wedding season, where can we see you performing?
I used to do solo gigs, as well as with bands (like Almoraima), playing around Spain, as well as playing in Finland with the project ‘Paul Oxleys Acoustic Circus’. I have played on a couple of tours with them in Finland, and right now we are recording the new album. After the next season I would like to record my own album in order to express all the feelings I have inside me.

How quickly do you tend to get booked up for future ceremonies?
I always recommend that a couple book me up at least a year before their special day, because – luckily – I have a full work schedule, and it’s the best way to ensure I am available.

A heartfelt GRACIAS, Jesus. We love your work and it’s been fascinating to learn about your background and the music you are involved in outside of the season. We look forward to working with you at more beautiful venues for our wonderful couples in 2020 and onward!