César Páucar
THE SOUND, RAIN, AND FIRE OF SIX STRINGS
Welcome to the music of César Páucar. With the introduction of "fusion" music into the mainstream, we understand that there can be some confusion as to exactly what genre César leans toward to. Here are a few "frequently asked questions" that we hope will help you with your musical journey.
What is this particular style of music?
César would define it as “Peruvian guitar music with hints of music from other cultures.” Although it can also be considered Latin guitar, César’s specialty is in the music he grew up with. That’s not to say it was all he listened to: “As a child growing up in Peru, I heard a myriad of different musical styles, from Latin American music, to flamenco to pop and rock from the U.S. You can absorb techniques you find in any of these types of music. I did, and I guess they naturally become part of your style as you search for it.”
What music or musicians influenced César’s style?
“Guitarists, I guess would be my guitar teacher Raúl García Zárate and the guitar music I heard in flamenco, which has an abundance of virtuosos.” Musically, César has an admiration for classical music, Paul Simon, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the music done by guitar duo Strunz & Farah. “That approach to guitar music is very interesting to me: an instrumental consisting of a theme and coda with a solo space in between. Sort of a jazz approach to playing Spanish guitar.”
Where can I get César’s recordings?
Cesar's recordings can be downloaded on ITunes, Amazon, and other online retailers. You can also try this website or at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/CesarPaucar
Which CD should I get?
Rumbos Rítmicos is primarily music from Peru and has solo guitar pieces, instrumentals and two songs with lyrics sung by Saywa and Lourdes Cárhuaz, two of Peru’s most respected artists.
Palahia Street is wholly instrumental but the rhythms are from throughout Latin America, from guaguancó to cumbia, to zamba and merengue.
De Amanecida is very similar to Rumbos Rítmicos in that it is music from Peru but it also has hints of flamenco in a guitar duet piece written by Errol Putigna plus four songs with lyrics. Some of Peru’s most original artists are in this recording such as Julio Tirado, Saywa, Lourdes Cárhuaz and Rosa Guzmán.
Days at Sea is the latest in the collection of music and travels that César has become so well known for. It consists of solo guitar instrumentals that Cesar wrote while cruising around the Mediterranean in late 2012, plus guitar improvisations where he uses a looper pedal. There are also two pieces written by Troy Gifford and Magali Luque. Cesar's heartfelt message comes through without barriers, only his guitar as a bridge to the listener.
What guitars does César play?
César plays an Hermanos Conde nylon-string guitar built in Spain in his recordings. For live purposes, he alternates between flamenco guitars made by luthier Jorge De Zofia and a Fender classical, both with a Fishman pickup system.
Other technical info:
César uses Luthier and D'Addario guitar strings and usually brings a looper to his live concerts. “I saw Phil Keaggy live once and immediately got hooked on looping, which is to play something on the guitar and have it repeat as you solo over it. You control the loops with pedals, using your feet. I’m alternating between a Boomerang and a Boss RC-50 looper recently, but haven’t made up my mind which is best.”
I have my own music and/or comments to share.
How can I get in touch with César?
Contact him through this website or contact him through Facebook.com