biel ballester
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Biel Ballester was born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in 1974. Biel studied classical guitar at the prestigious Luthier School of Barcelona, with teachers Alex Garrobé and Fernando Rodriguez. He also got private tuition from respected specialists like José Tomás, David Russell, Aniello Desiderio, Manuel Barrueco, Marco Socias, Hopkinson Smith and Jordi Savall. He graduated from Barcelona’s Conservatory in 2000.
Biel first created THE BIEL BALLESTER TRIO in 2002, combining the Django Reinhardt-based “manouche” heritage with the Mediterranean musical tradition. The band soon got well established in the Spanish club and concert circuits. Subsequent demand for his awe-inspiring style and technique enabled him to perform in other countries such as France, The United Kingdom, Holland, The United States and Germany.
The guitarist has also been seen in the company of international Jazz stars such as The Rosenberg Trio, The Robin Nolan Trio, The Hot Club de Norvege, Gustav Lundgren, Stephane Wrembel, Jimmy Rosenberg, Jon Larsen and Angelo Debarre.
Biel has recorded three albums as a leader so far: Echoes from Mallorca, Live in London and Bistro de Barcelona. He is also featured in many compilations like Django Festival volumes 3 & 4, produced by Hot Club Records in Oslo, Norway.
Two of Ballester’s compositions, When I was a boy and Your shining eyes have been featured in Woody Allen’s film Vicky Christina Barcelona, Allen being one of Biel’s strongest fans and supporters.
So be on the lookout for the Biel Ballester Trio performing in a city near you: your musical satisfaction is guaranteed.