Convivencia is the Spanish word for “coexistence.” The term refers to the time between the 8th and 15th centuries in Andalusia, the birthplace of Flamenco in the south of Spain. During this time, Muslims, Sephardic Jews, and Christians lived in harmony and flourished under the rule of the Moors, the Muslim people of northern Africa. The end of the Convivencia was marked by the Reconquista (“reconquering” by the Catholic rulers) and the Spanish Inquisition, which became the crucible for Flamenco through the suffering of the persecuted Muslims, Jews, and Romani people, also known as Gypsies. There is much we can learn today from the shining example of the Convivencia. Flamenco Pacifico continues the spirit of the Convivencia by incorporating elements of other musics, such as Brazilian samba and American jazz, with Spanish Flamenco. Flamenco Pacifico is: Berto Boyd – guitar Grant Ruiz – guitar, vocals Terry Longshore – percussion With special guest artists: Randy Tico – fretless bass Cristina Villalobos – palmas, jaleos Leigh Ann Starcevich – vocals All music composed by Berto Boyd except for Arrincónamela (Emilio Caracafe and Ramón Quilate), with additional arrangements by Grant Ruiz on Convivencia, Lorca por Soleá (based on Zorongo Gitano by Federico García Lorca), and Colores del Sur (traditional). Sound engineering by Sean McCoy at Oregon Sound Recording, Kai Narezo, and Ben Woodman. Recorded at BrokenWorks Productions (Ashland, OR), Oregon Sound Recording (Central Point, OR), Universal Exports Studio (Hollywood, CA), and Corvallis, OR.  Berto and Grant both played guitars made by Oregon luthiers Shelton-Farretta. Cover art and layout by Spanish artist Julian Lorenzo. Our special thanks to dancer Elena Villa for her inspired choreography and input on Lorca por Soleá and Convivencia. Additionally we would like to thank our manager Laura Martinez, executive producer Barbara Strom, as well as our friends and colleagues Jim Stubblefield, Ben Woods, and Jose Luis de la Paz for their input and inspiration! Copyright © 2017 Flamenco Pacifico