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The Lotus Fire draws its inspiration from the influences of Piazzolla, Grappelli, de Lucia, Ojos de Brujo, Yasmin Levy, and Etta James. They have played to wildly enthusiastic crowds throughout Europe, Latin America, and North America in clubs, festivals, casinos, and resorts, including for the President of the United States.
It all started when Nic met Kevin. Nic had just returned from studying Flamenco in Spain and was running jam nights at Sarasota's Blue Parrot. Kevin was in town on a break from touring with the Virginia Bluegrass band Crossties, looking for a place to jam on some Gypsy Swing. Lightning struck, and they brought the house down.
Two weeks later, they were on a plane to Costa Rica, setting up as the house band at Marriott's Los Sueños Casino Resort and composing material for the first Lotus Fire CD.
After recording the album back in the States, they brought a few of the personnel to Europe for a summer tour, playing cafes and festivals in France, Spain, Holland, and England, and everything evolved from there.
Classically trained guitarist Jon McLaughlin signed on to join the band full-time, bringing a love of Segovia and Roland Dyens and an impeccable technique that broadened the sound even further. Chris Austin, a veteran of the Rhythm Quest Percussion Ensemble, came next on cajon and percussion.
And then came Ari. Singing in Spanish, English, and French, Arielle McManus covers the full vocal range from Latin to Blues. She was a natural fit, and her talent as both a lyricist and a singer is all showcased on the new album 'Come Out Swinging.' Check it out.
It all started when Nic met Kevin. Nic had just returned from studying Flamenco in Spain and was running jam nights at Sarasota's Blue Parrot. Kevin was in town on a break from touring with the Virginia Bluegrass band Crossties, looking for a place to jam on some Gypsy Swing. Lightning struck, and they brought the house down.
Two weeks later, they were on a plane to Costa Rica, setting up as the house band at Marriott's Los Sueños Casino Resort and composing material for the first Lotus Fire CD.
After recording the album back in the States, they brought a few of the personnel to Europe for a summer tour, playing cafes and festivals in France, Spain, Holland, and England, and everything evolved from there.
Classically trained guitarist Jon McLaughlin signed on to join the band full-time, bringing a love of Segovia and Roland Dyens and an impeccable technique that broadened the sound even further. Chris Austin, a veteran of the Rhythm Quest Percussion Ensemble, came next on cajon and percussion.
And then came Ari. Singing in Spanish, English, and French, Arielle McManus covers the full vocal range from Latin to Blues. She was a natural fit, and her talent as both a lyricist and a singer is all showcased on the new album 'Come Out Swinging.' Check it out.
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