I agree with Rockethouse that Paco Pena is a must have for any serious fan of flamenco. Saw him live with his dance troupe and singers a couple of years ago-they were truly inspired that night. Paco de Lucia is amazing and perhaps the most exciting, but not really "flamenco puro". He relies heavily on electric accompaniment and non-traditional instruments such as electronic keyboards, electric bass, and saxophone. Check out "Paco de Lucia Plays Manuel de Falla" on Philips from the late 80's. Gypsy Kings are also great for a more "easy-listening flamenco" although live/lived as true gypsies more so than the others. Ottmar Liebert is top-40 where flamenco is concerned and should left out of any serious discussion about flamenco. The Assad Brothers are great, play more classical-style and are great technicians. The Romeros are great and play a wide variety of Spanish guitar music well (I have also seen them perform together a couple of times). Check out the Santa Fe(Argentina, not NM) Guitar Quartet (on the Klavier label) if you like the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, etc. Perhaps my favorite from years ago are Ida Presti and Alexandre Lagoya (a husband/wife duo)-check out any of their work, most of which is out-of-print. Happy listening!!
