I was born in London in the closing moments of the 1950's. October 1959 to be precise. Although you would never know it from my name I am in fact half Spanish. My Father was from Jerez de la Fronterra in southern Spain and my Mother was and is a professional Flamenco Dancer. Spain, it's music and it's culture has therefore always been a very important part of my life although for most of my life I have lived in England

I started playing in rock bands while still at school. I remember one was called "Plus Support" and at the time I thought this was a great name for a band. Another school band I was in was called "Sinnombre" which in Spanish means 'no name'.

I became interested in English/British folk music in the early seventies after hearing "Now We Are Six" by Steeleye Span and "The History of Fairport Convention". These albums were a whole new world to me and I soon bought every Fairport and Steeleye LP. It wasn't long before the rot set in and I became a regular visitor Folk Clubs and Folk Festivals. It was at the local 'Orange Tree Folk Club' in Frien Barnet, Hertfordshire that I became friends with Bryan & Carolyn.

I soon gave up playing in rock bands in favour of a ceilidh band. This band started out as 'Kraken's Wait' but after 20 years, several changes in name and more line up changes than Fairport, 'Barnet Fair' as we have been called for the last 15 years, still play the occasional ceilidh.

Other projects I have been involved in are 'Aardvark & no Money' with Bryan and Carolyn and 'GMT'.

As well as playing with "Shave the Monkey" I have, for the last 15 years been a member "Albion Morris". Unfortunately we don't dance together as often as we used to, just for the occasional weekend tour or festival.

My musical influences are many as I listen to all kinds of music.
My favorite folk/folk-rock artists are too numerous to mention them all but some of the most influential are:
Fairport Convention, - One of my all time favorite bands and a nice bunch of guys. Simon Nicol, a much under rated guitarist, has probably influenced my playing more than any other.
Gryphon - I was first introduced to Gryphon while still at school, I was always impressed with the musicianship and originality.
The Albion Band, - especially the albums "Prospect Before Us" and "Rise Up Like The Sun" but over the years I've liked most of Ashley Hutchins' projects.
Pywackett, - Bill Martin's keyboard playing was the reason I took up keyboard playing. I only wish I was half as good as him. The sooner their entire back catalogue is available on CD the better.
Home Service, For me this is a band that could do no wrong. I love everything they ever recorded. I only wish they would reform. How about it guys!

My favorite rock bands are:
Genesis, - One of my all time favorite bands. They are always as good live as they are on record.
Bare Naked Ladies, - One Canada's brilliant bands, Great songs well played with clever lyrics. To my shame this is a band I've have yet to see live.
Jethro Tull, - Another excellent band, My favorite period was between "Songs from the Wood" and "Under Wraps"
Yes, - I can't remember a time when I did't like Yes, especially the albums "Fragile" and "Yessongs"

My favorite classical music is:
Concierto De Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo, To me this is the most emotional, passionate, and moving piece of music I know. It is so typically Spanish.
La Mamma Morta from the Opera Andrea Chénier by Umberto Giordano and sung by Maria Callas. This is another piece that brings a lump to my throat. I first heard this in the film "Philadelphia" with Tom Hanks.
Cello Concerto by Elgar, especially the performance by Jacqueline Du Pre.
Misa Flamenca by Paco Peña, Wonderful guitar playing, a beautiful mix of flamenco and choral music which always reminds me of my Dad.
Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber, This piece makes me feel melancholic whenever I hear it. This has been used in several films including "The Elephant Man" and "Platoon".
Flower Duet form Lakmé by Léo Delibes, Another beautiful piece of music, unfortunately I can't hear this piece now without thinking of British Airways.

Since playing in Shave I have achieved many of my musical ambitions, such as playing at Cropredy, Dranouter and Cambridge Folk Festivals Of course it goes without saying that I hope it's not too long before we play at these festivals again. Other ambitions achieved were performing on Radio and TV as well as playing with talented musicians.

As for the future? Next year the band will be celebrating 10 years together. I believe Shave the Monkey will go on from strength to strength, we are all looking forward to playing in Denmark this Summer and there's talk of a possible a live album or even a video.

Guido
15 January 1997