Antonio Lizana

From Andalusia to New York and beyond, Antonio Lizana is one of the most celebrated representatives of new Flamenco Jazz to come out of southern Spain. As a jazz saxophonist, flamenco singer and composer, Lizana’s live shows are described as a “breathtaking journey from flamenco roots to contemporary jazz”, bound together by soulful lyrics that carry messages of optimism and sincerity straight to the heart of his audiences.

Antonio Lizana has performed in more than 30 countries with his band, playing in festivals such as Womex, Etnosur, SXSW Austin, the London, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco Flamenco Festivals, Barcelona Voll Damn, Shanghai Jazz Fest (China), Casablanca Jazz Fest (Morocco) and Flamenco Biennale (Holland).

Born and raised in San Fernando, a province of Cádiz and one of the cradles of flamenco singing, his collaborations with countless local artists have informed his technique and style, and allowed him to go on to share the authentic flamenco spirit with the world. He has collaborated with artists such as Arturo O’Farrill and Alejandro Sanz on works that received Grammy awards. Other of his collaborations include Snarky Puppy, Marcus Miller, Chano Domínguez, Alfredo Rodríguez, Ari Hoenig, Jorge Drexler, India Martínez, Jorge Pardo, Shai Maestro, Chambao, José Mercé, Josemi Carmona, Carmen Linares and Pepe Habichuela.

“In many ways, the traditions of flamenco and jazz could not be further apart, but in the hands of a few Spanish jazz musicians, these two worlds commingle and find common ground. Antonio Lizana is one such musician, both a saxophonist and vocalist with one foot firmly planted in each tradition. As a vocalist he has mastered the Moorish, note-bending improvisations that make flamenco singing so beguiling, while the fluidity of ideas he expresses as a saxophonist place him in the time-honored tradition of composing while playing.

The magic of Lizana’s performance… happens when the two musical worlds wrap around each other, like helical strands of sonic DNA. One is no greater than the other — perfect complements that point to a common African root.” ~ Felix Contreras, NPR Tiny Desk Concerts

“Voilà un jazzman pas comme les autres : redoutable saxophoniste et véritable chanteur de flamenco, l’espagnol développe un univers où se rencontrent hardbop, musiques andalouses et même pop.”

“Here is a jazzman like no other: a formidable saxophonist and true flamenco singer, the Spaniard develops a universe where hardbop, Andalusian and even pop music meet.” ~ Jazz Magazine

CAROLINA THEATRE PRESENTS SERIES

This performance is part of the Carolina Theatre Presents Series at the historic Carolina Theatre of Greensboro. Proceeds from this show directly benefit the theatre, supporting year-round live performances, film programming, arts education initiatives, and the continued preservation of one of North Carolina’s most iconic cultural venues.

Tickets: Premium $35.00, $30.00, $25.00 or $20.00, depending on location.

Ticket Commissions: A $5 processing fee and 6.75% NC Sales tax will be added to each ticket.