WHO IS ESTEBAN
LEGENDARY FLAMENCO GUITARIST ESTEBAN TO APPEAR AT PABST THEATER
2003-09-01
http://www.guitarimports.com/comparison-esteban.htm
Esteban
(Stephen Paul, 1948- ) Guitarist.
Lives in Phoenix area
Esteban performed during a break between flights at the Luke AFB Air Show. 3-02.
Esteban grew up as Stephen, one of four children of a Pittsburgh steelworker. He majored in music and English at Carnegie Mellon University, and went on to study under guitar maestro Andres Segovia in Spain. Unable to pronounce "Stephen," Segovia called him the Spanish equivalent which eventually became his stage name.
Esteban's road to popular CD performing artist was more than a little rocky. A car crash in 1980 left him nearly blind in one eye and with such extensive nerve damage to his hands that he was unable to perform for nearly a decade.
Finally able to perform, Esteban took a job playing mellow guitar in the Lobby Bar at Scottsdale's Hyatt Regency. There he performed for 11 years. Things changed when Joy Mangano heard him perform at the Hyatt in Atlanta. She was convinced that she could sell his music not through a record company, but through the television merchandising.
Mangano convinced QVC, the television network purveyor of jewelry, mops and gadgets, to feature Esteban's CD. Through TV concerts on the shopping channel, QVC began selling Esteban albums--and lots of them. After 6 concerts over 50,000 albums had been sold.
That was just the beginning. In 1995 Barry Diller, who had been the CEO and a major shareholder at QVC for the three previous years, sold his stake in the company and resigned. He went on to acquire the Home Shopping Network. HSN made Esteban "today's special" on June 29, 2000, giving special attention to his albums, with four hour long concerts within 24 hours. By the end of the week, Esteban sales reached number 53 on the Billboard 200, leaving artists like Enrique Iglesias, Celine Dion and Limp Bizkit in the dust.
Esteban was able to leave his Hyatt gig in June 2000.MILWAUKEE—Internationally acclaimed flamenco guitarist Esteban brings his passionate Latin music to the Pabst Theater 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2.
Ticket prices range from $15 to $35 and can be ordered by calling 414-286-3663 or toll free 1-800-511-1552 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily or by visiting the Pabst Theater Box Office at 144 E. Wells Street in the Milwaukee Center, noon – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 90 minutes before any Sunday event. Tickets are also available online anytime at www.pabsttheater.org or www.tickets.com and at all Sears stores.
Born in Pittsburgh, Esteban was named by his teacher and mentor, the greatest of all classical guitar masters, Andres Segovia, during Esteban’s years of study with Segovia in Spain in the mid-70s. From the moment Esteban saw his first guitar in a shop window when he was eight years old and his uncle bought it for him, “it never left my hands,” says the guitar virtuoso.
From that moment on, he focused on the guitar.
He taught himself to play and graduated in 1981 from Mellon University in Pittsburgh, majoring in classical guitar and English literature. After years of attempting to meet the master Segovia, he was finally permitted to play for him and Esteban finally achieved his dream of studying with Segovia.
In 1980, Esteban was hit by a drunk driver in a car accident and lost the use of his hands and could not play the guitar for 10 years. By 1990, through dedication and his love of music, he began again to play the guitar. Since then, he has made 13 CDs and two videos and is consistently on the top of the Billboard charts every month for album and video sales worldwide.
Esteban is one of a select few guitarists in the musical world who carry the coveted personal endorsement of the great Segovia. Esteban has toured the world and performed as a solo virtuoso guitarist, or with his band. He plays with a passion that can be felt deeply by the listener in both his live performances as well as his recordings. Esteban performs in concert more than 300 days per year. He has appeared on Entertainment Tonight and nationwide on PBS. He has been featured each month in a series of one-hour concerts at Home Shopping Network (HSN).
As Esteban puts it: “Segovia taught me how to put emotion into my music. Now I can play from the heart.” Hear the passion in his heartfelt music Oct. 2 at the Pabst Theater.
The Pabst Theater, located in the heart of Milwaukee at 144 E. Wells Street, has raised its golden curtain on more than 25,000 performances. A treasure house of theater history, it is the fourth-oldest continuously operating theater on the same site in the U.S. Virtually every great name in 20th century music, dance, and drama has graced the Pabst Theater stage. With its 1895 splendor and charm undiminished, the intimate Pabst Theater now presents 200+ music, comedy, dance, and drama performances every year. See www.pabsttheater.org
http://members.aol.com/rogluthier/esteban.html
The Progress of Esteban
I heard Esteban (Stephen Paul) perform on a very torrid Saturday afternoon in July at the Crooked River Art Festival hosted by Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Owing to extreme conditions the audience was limited but appreciative of the performer and his 5-piece back-up ensemble.
In spite of recent articles on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and in Time Magazine this nylon string guitarist, poised for tremendous popular success, is not respected by many classical guitarists. Selling almost two million recordings via cable TV and having a recent CD and a just-released video positioned literally at the top of the Billboard sales rankings, ahead of 'N Sync and Britney Spears, are not enough to stifle criticism of the performer's talent for self-promotion and marketing.
With all this in mind and having never heard an Esteban recording, seen a video or tuned in to one of his cable TV sales sessions I was eager to hear a live performance.
Much of what I have read about him on the Internet is true:
He loves what he does.
He has a good rapport with the audience.
He is not the greatest flamenco or classical guitarist.
His music has vitality.
His music could be better.
He is a commercial musician and good salesman.
His 5 piece band is superb.
He is very successful at what he does.
Esteban is humble.
During the first set I saw little evidence in his playing of anything more than an average level of nouveau flamenco ability and style. There are plenty of well-known performers -- Jesse Cook, Strunz and Farah, Adam DelMonte, Paco de Lucia, Ottmar Liebert -- who seem to have much more fluid technique than Esteban; and yet, few have achieved a fraction of his commercial success.
The first piece, "The Lonely Bull," was a 1960s pop hit by the Tijuana Brass organized by Herb Alpert. Esteban's lengthy version featured skillful drum kit and Latin percussion solos by each of the two-man percussion team. The trumpet player also demonstrated considerable prowess playing elaborate corrida-style flourishes and falsettas. The ensemble also has a keyboard player and electric bassist. These are top flight musicians, one of whom, Joe Morris, is a Grammy Award winning kit percussionist.
Esteban took a moment to apologize for the half hour delay caused by a sound check. He also commented that his band's music comes from the heart and since their repertoire spans both new and ancient songs he feels the presence of Segovia, his guitar teacher, and all the other great guitar personages who have passed on. Next came a Beatles tune, "Eleanor Rigby," which churned like an asphalt roller following a meditative solo flamenco introduction by Esteban. The exception here was an interesting break taken by the keyboard player.
As the band rhythmically cooks, Esteban has the habit of creating a very loud textural strum by damping the strings and strumming next to the bridge; this sound is very harsh and quickly becomes trite, tiresome and annoying. Overall the guitar's sound was full but too electronically colored by the intense level of amplification.
Next he presented a recent composition based on some flamenco music he heard played late at night on the beach at a seaside Spanish Mediterranean resort. For Esteban, this is ancient music dating from the mid-19th century and appears on his recent "Esteban Live" recording. This tune featured ample dosages of Esteban's guitar work but his style seemed unnecessarily harsh and his scale work sounded rhythmically uneven to my ears. In general all the pieces end up being played with a pretty hard, driving Latin beat which references high decibel rock 'n' roll more than immersion in flamenco's rhythmic intricacies and dynamic expressive flourishes. It was extremely hot so my friend and I only heard one more tune: Del Shannon's "Runaway," another '60s hit which didn't gain much from the flamenco-rock treatment.
We sought some shade as we listened to last tune before a 15 minute CD-signing break. A bearded figure passed by wearing a serape and a Zorro hat. He stopped and momentarily gazed at the large stage where Esteban was holding court. He looked around with defiance, not unlike Clint Eastwood in a spaghetti western, and sauntered off. Later, we toured the rest of the festival venue before leaving. At the exact opposite end, in a large circular courtyard with a central fountain, we discovered this same fellow playing the classical guitar on a much smaller shaded stage with a sound system. Aside from the sound technicians there was almost no audience. At this point I recognized this man, whom I hadn't seen or thought of in years, as the Akron, Ohio answer to Esteban. In fact, his efforts along these lines pre-date Esteban's by at least 20 years. His name is James Kallal, a local guitar teacher who has presented himself as a student of Segovia's and has had a successful career performing lite classical and pop fare for corporate functions and sponsors. One can literally encounter Kallal at the grocery store with a table set up to sell his CDs and take names for lessons. He will also perform a snippet of the Chaconne or any other tune you might like to hear. It takes guts to do what he does. Years ago he gave some "serious" concerts but they didn't amount to much so he became more commercial and less classical. Some say he was always a good reader and could really play once. His efforts that afternoon during my brief encounter amounted to some expansive, disconnected noodling. At least he had a good tone through the sound system.
If Esteban and Kallal represent the state of commercial classical guitar at the national and local levels then I am somewhat discouraged. I can't fault anyone for making a living playing their music, even if it is not quite to my taste and liking. The problem arises when the results bear little resemblance to the great music which originally inspired them. I can't say that damage is being done because the instrument and some of the music is being presented to a very wide audience who will perhaps investigate and learn more about its artistic origins. On the other hand I certainly wish the playing were of higher quality.
I probably won't go hear Esteban again in the festival format. If he played a small club or concert hall venue it might be worth seeing if his playing adjusts for a more intimate setting. He seems to have enough sense and playing ability to be able to meet such varied demands. Let's face it: the huge sound system and the expectation to play before a madding crowd fueled by beer and fatty fried food could warp one's performance parameters. As he addresses his audience there is a mixture of humility, warmth and intelligence in his voice. I believe Esteban knows exactly who he is and where he stands as the front man surrounded by a band of much better musicians. This might explain his progress, along with ambition and the wisdom to not question his success. -- Roger Thurman
Esteban warms up during the sound check.
Thurman Guitar & Violin Repair, Inc.
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Kent OH 44240
Toll Free: 888-803-8693
330-673-4054Esteban's guitar to resound at Louisville concert
By MISSY BAXTER • October 10, 2003
The Courier-Journal
Flamenco guitarist Esteban returns to his Louisville roots this weekend with a concert and show.As a student at the University of Louisville's School of Music and Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University in the 1960s, he was known by his legal name — Stephen Paul — and majored in classical guitar and English literature.
When he moved to Spain to study under one of the masters of modern classical guitar in the '70s, he earned his stage name — Esteban — and began to craft a career in which he's played concerts around the globe and sold more than 2 million albums.
Flamenco guitarist Esteban returns to his roots this weekend with a concert and private show in Louisville. Music lovers say he will provide an evening of outstanding entertainment.
"Anyone who enjoys flamenco music will love his music," said Alan Bird, president of the Old Louisville Chamber of Commerce, which is presenting the concert. "It will be a great show, and we hope to pack the place because the money is going to help revitalize the Oak Street business corridor."
If you want to see flamenco . . . Esteban brings his "Flamenco Extravaganza" to the Spectrum Auditorium (the old Male High School), 911 S. Brook St., this weekend.
At 8 tonight there will be a special premiere party limited to 50 fans. Tickets for this formal event are $150.
At 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Esteban and his five-piece band will perform. Tickets are $10 to $30. Dinner will also be available before the concert at the Garden Room Cafe at the Spectrum building beginning at 6:15 p.m. For reservations, call (502) 635-0240.
Tickets and information are available at www.oldlouisvillechamber.com or by contacting Alan Bird, president of the Old Louisville Chamber of Commerce, at (502) 212-7500. Tickets for the concert will also be sold at the door.
Proceeds from the events will go to the Old Louisville Community Development Corp. for the revitalization of the Oak Street Business Corridor.
Bird agrees with critics who say that Esteban's music has vitality and a unique sound. Esteban, the son of a Pittsburgh steelworker, studied five years in Spain under maestro Andrés Segovia, known as the father of the modern classical guitar movement. Segovia, unable to pronounce "Stephen," called the young student by the Spanish equivalent — Esteban.
"Segovia taught me how to put emotion into my music," said Esteban, whose new CD, "Eternal Love," was recently released by Daystar. "Now I play from the heart."
During each performance, Esteban said, he feels the presence of Segovia and other guitar greats. Performing along with a talented five-piece band, his repertoire ranges from classic to modern, including everything from original songs to old hits by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.
Although he was unable to perform during the 1980s due to severe health problems from a car crash, Esteban resumed recording in the 1990s and released several albums, such as "Flame, Flamenco & Romance."
His big break came at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, when entrepreneur Joy Mangano heard his show. Mangano persuaded QVC television network to peddle Esteban's CDs. His music was an instant hit with QVC fans.
After the Home Shopping Network purchased QVC and began airing his concerts, album sales soared. In June 2000, Esteban sales reached No. 53 on the Billboard magazine chart.
Letters
10-05-2000
Name dropper: Thanks for Gilbert Garcia's exposé on the Valley's most famous guitarist ("The Tao of Estéban," September 21).
I studied guitar in Spain for a couple of years back in the mid-1980s under one of Andrés Segovia's former students. I am aware of the respect and high regard accorded by the Spaniards to their artists who -- like Segovia -- have excelled internationally and who broke new ground in their fields. These artists are honored by Spain in many ways -- with streets named after them, statues in plazas and even by having their faces on Spanish currency.
It appalls me how Estéban exploits his so-called association with the legendary guitarist, especially considering the music he sells. It seems all that he has to show to back up his claims are some photos of him with the Maestro, an autograph that he passes on as an endorsement and some fantastic stories that are full of inconsistencies.
I would guess that the Spaniards would regard this behavior as shameless.
Angelito Agcaoili
TempeAndrés the giant: Gilbert Garcia's article on Estéban seems to confirm what a lot of people have suspected about this guitarist and his claimed association with the late legendary guitarist Andrés Segovia.
Anyone who has listened to Maestro Segovia and Estéban would instantly notice that there is no resemblance in the way these two guitarists play and the kind of music they play. Compared to the Maestro, the term "remedial guitarist" is most appropriate to describe Estéban's ability to play his instrument.
It is well-known among classical-guitar aficionados that Segovia regarded, among his American students, Christopher Parkening and Eliot Fisk as the ones who would continue his work in carrying the guitar to a higher level. There are dozens of recordings out there by Parkening and Fisk. The listener would instantly be informed of the high level of virtuosity by these two artists. Sadly, Estéban's musical ability does not come anywhere close to the "real" Segovia students.
Estéban has gotten the money and fame for the Muzak that he plays. It's about time he drops his claimed association with Segovia, for he clearly does not represent the artistry and ideals of the late master.
Oscar Ramos
TempeEsteban captivates audience with passion and romance
Kimberly Nicoletti
July 26, 2002
BRECKENRIDGE - The most moving music is often born out of hardship. Just when guitarist Esteban gained nearly everything he'd dreamed of musically, he lost it when he was severely injured in a car accident. Now, two decades later, his passionate music captivates audiences, and his albums consistently top the Billboard charts.
Esteban grew up as Stephen Paul in Pittsburgh. He fell in love with the guitar at age 9 and dreamed of studying with Andres Segovia. He spent two years in the early 1970s sending notes, which read, "My life is meaningless unless I study with you," to every hotel where the renowned classical guitarist stayed. However, he never signed his name.
Then, in 1973, he snatched his roommate's messenger uniform and bluffed his way into Segovia's Los Angeles hotel room during a tour. With his guitar stashed under the stairwell, he revealed he was the anonymous note sender and asked simply, "Maestro, can I play for you?" A year later, Segovia accepted him as a student and named him Esteban, Spanish for Stephen.
"(He taught me) every note is not just an exercise in mechanics," Esteban said. "Every note is an exercise of the heart and a combination of feeling and expression. You play every note from within rather than from the outside."
After Esteban spent five years perfecting his craft, a drunken driver hit him, leaving him blind in one eye and unable to feel his left hand. When traditional music didn't heal his spinal injury, he turned to alternative medicine, and 10 years later, after extensive emotional and physical healing, his nerve damage healed, allowing him to play again with new fervor.
"When you come from a real hard place like that ... a special kind of spiritual thing happens to you," Esteban said. "The music comes from that special, deep place in your heart. When I pick up that guitar, I give tribute to my ability to come back from a very, very deep place."
His big break came in 1999 when a shopping-network merchandiser heard him play at the Hyatt in Atlanta and convinced him to sell CDs on television. His first appearance on QVC - at 1 a.m. midweek - drove late-night watchers to buy his music, and within six appearances, he sold more than 50,000 albums.
Since then he has appeared on hundreds of television and radio shows nationally and was named top new age artist by Billboard Magazine in 2000. His albums and performances blend the classic style Segovia taught him with jazz, classic rock, flamenco, love songs and middle Eastern music.
"It's a mosaic of music from all walks of life," he said, "a journey through musical time."
Advance tickets are $22, $24 day of the show, and may be purchased by calling (970) 547-3100. For more information about Esteban, visit his Web site at www.estebanmusic.com.This guy dubbed himself "Esteban" claims he studied with Segovia but has yet to give his last name? When he first started with HSN it was to push his CD's then he got into the instrumnets.
He had a brief contract with Hohner Guiters and he lost it. Hohner is not top of the line but they have some really good guitars acoustic & electric. I had their Steinberg "headless" copies, the ones that looked like brooms. I had a 6 string guitar and a 4 string bass. These were an excellent travel guitar and practice guitar. They had a great "Jack Bass" that's discontinued. Now the prices for these models shot up.
Getting back to "Esteban," he's persona is shady. If you click on HarmonyCentral.com and check out the Esteban guitar reviews you'll see the atrocious ratings people gave concerning the guitars, the workmanship and his "poorly done instructional" DVD's, leaves much to be desired.
I believe he does own a Martin HD-28 with electronics. I think this is the one he uses on the infomercials because you never see the headstock when he's playing! It'd be aesy to cover up the name and pass it off as one of "his models." The audience wouldn't know the difference. He always refers to the "Esteban Copy" as being as good as his $5800.00 name brand guitar!
What kills me is he marvels at the "shine" of the guitar! As if a shiny guitar will make you an ace guitarist! He goes onto boasting about the added equipment which is pure low end JUNK!
P.T. Barnum said it well : "There's a sucker born everyday!"
Most people complained bitterly about the return policy. Many said their guitar appeared used with scratches all over, frets loose or sticking out of the neck, tuners not working correctly, and the shoddy case which he claims to be a "protective hard case." What a joke! If he paid $7.00 a piece in bulk from Taiwan, Indonesia or some other third world country that was a lot! He's making a mint off this shoddy junk!
Calls to the show would be screened but a massive letter writing campaign would definitely work! Especially to consumer affairs! If everyone joined in on a class action law suit because they were ripped off "Esteban" will be Estegone! Plus he have to pay out all those who filed suit!http://www.clubline.com/map/Arizona/arizona_hyatt.htm
http://desertbotanical.org/index.aspx?pageID=545
http://www.theacorn.com/news/2003/0529/On_The_Town/070.html
