DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — The various, non-Spanish backgrounds of the members of the Juanito Pascual Quintet — including flamenco-style guitarist Jonathan "Jaunito" Pascual himself — might seem unusual, if not antithetical, to participation in a musical ensemble dedicated to the playing of a distinct, traditional folk genre.

Yet flamenco music — the passionate, percussive style of southern Spain — has its own history of multiculturalism, a fact made clear Thursday evening, April 17, when the Juanito Pascual Quintet performed at the University of Dayton's Boll Theatre. The concert was the final offering in this season's World Rhythms Series presented by Cityfolk and UD.

Gypsies from India, Moors from North Africa and Muslims from Arabia, all present in southern Spain in the Middle Ages, influenced the beginnings of the unique flamenco style.

Pasqual — a native of Minneapolis — has tapped into the soul of the music, appreciating and learning its traditions while extending it into the future with a strong improvisational and collaborative ethic.

The guitarist's compatriots, all of whom also contributed traditional percussive clapping throughout Thursday's performance, included Rohan Gregory (violin), Jerry Leake (percussion), Vincente Griego (vocals) and Laura Montes (dancer).

While Pascual showed he was capable of shimmering, virtuosic solo work, he shared the spotlight with his mates in pure flamenco fashion.

Contact this writer at (937) 225-7309 or csimmons@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Vote for this story!