Biography

The Carmona family had emigrated from North Africa to France after being exiled in the early 1960s. Juan, born in Lyon, was only ten years old when his father gave him his first guitar. His passion for the instrument grew and his virtuosity was quickly remarked by professional musicians.

Juan’s journey as a professional guitarist next took him back to the land of his ancestors, Spain, to go back to his roots and imbibe himself at the Source – Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia. His talent and the originality of his art were quickly recognized in this city known as the cradle of flamenco.

For nine years, he absorbed as much as he could in the purest flamenco tradition, rubbing elbows with some of its biggest names, like Joaquín Grilo, Agujetas, Duquende, Antonio Canales, Chano Domínguez and many others. He recorded his first albums and won international awards including the International Competition of Jerez and the great award Paco de Lucia, and was finalist of the Union of Cordoba.

The success Juan encountered in Spain was a triumph for this Gypsy of French origins. On his return to France, he collaborated with musicians of diverse origins, such as Al Di Meola, Sylvain Luc, Larry Coryell, Marcus Miller, Jan Garbarek, Trilok Gurtu, Subramanian or Baden Powell, each project adding a new color to his sound palette.

Creative and curious, his thirst for learning is unquenchable and makes him what he is today: the creator of one of the most beautiful sounds on the international scene. His music is written with his memory, his ears, his heart and his passion.