by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
WHAT: Uncommon Music...for a Common Cause
WHERE: The Florida Theatre
WHEN: Friday, May 25
Goliath Flores is the type of person who continues learning and evolving, always questioning his root assumptions and the unsubstantiated opinions of others. His quest for musical nirvana and understanding metaphysics have brought us together as friends. I’ve always been impressed with Goliath’s eclectic knowledge of music and his advanced guitar ability. Our conversations have gone beyond music into the realm of metaphysics and quantum theory, which, for me, has been intellectually stimulating.
Goliath was studying music in Dallas, Texas when he received a scholarship to JU in theory and music composition. So he moved here, and before long he was teaching guitar, piano, and percussion at a local music conservatory. In his spare time, Goliath began performing gigs in the region. His nouveau flamenco style was well received at certain venues. I covered his act on several occasions, and I was impressed by his international sound and Latin styled presentation.
Two years ago, Goliath moved to California to test the waters. He said that he learned a lot and played many different styled gigs in the Los Angeles region. From there, he became involved in Miami’s vibrant music scene, playing with many fine musicians at numerous clubs and venues. This brought him full circle back to Jacksonville to record and play.
Indeed, I greatly admire Goliath’s inquisitive mind and his lifelong journey of learning and understanding concepts beyond the physical reality. In that respect, we have many common interests which made our recent interview so poignant.
Since it had been two years since I’d talked with Goliath, we had some catching up to do well beyond the subject of the interview–Goliath’s performance at the Florida Theater.
“As you know, I’ve been traveling and expanding my horizons beyond Jacksonville. I went to California and then to Miami, which was a mind opening experience. Recently, I was back in Atlanta where I want to start a radio station. So, I’ve been busy with various projects and recording a new album. And, get this–I’ve been playing music to accompany belly dancers, which has been fun.”
“I’ve also been spending a lot of time learning and practicing the Duduk–a Mideastern double reed instrument. The new album is even more eclectic than my last record, showcasing fusions of many different styles of music. I still love nouveau flamenco, which is prevalent on the new album. Of course, as you know, I’ve been studying other subjects that we have discussed before, like the post 9/11 investigations and The Secret audio book. Lately, I’ve been playing retirement and nursing homes and I’ve been outraged how our senior citizens are shut away from our youth-obsessed society.”
“I’ve been invited to play the Orientalia Festival in Miami on May 18, and I’ll be performing at the Florida Theater on May 25 with other regional acts to benefit Body & Soul– uncommon music for a common cause. So, I soldier on with my various projects and ideas. Every day, other musicians come up to me and ask me why is the Jacksonville market so indifferent to original music. My guess is: It’s because the general population of Jax is not willing to take a chance on an artist’s original music. However, lately I’ve noticed that attitude is changing among club owners and the audiences that come out to hear my music.”
Goliath Flores joins The Homesteaders, Heavenly Noise, and Crystal Stafford at the Florida Theatre for a night of music with a mission. This eclectic group of Jacksonville’s premier musicians will step out of the clubs, bars and restaurants, allowing for a true professional performing experience, all the while benefiting another organization in the community that supports these musicians, their dreams and their involvement in Jacksonville arts.
Proceeds from this show will go to benefit Body & Soul—a non-profit organization that brings the healing power of the arts into our local heathcare institutions. Art created by participating artists and patients will also be on display in the lobby. To learn more about Body & Soul, go to www.bodyandsouljax.com.
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