Eric Hansen

Guitarist Eric Hansen declined a place in the master's program for classical guitar at the New England Conservatory, choosing instead to follow his instincts toward nuevo flamenco. Although he had secured one of the limited openings, he walked away from the offer. Listeners of the style later appreciated that choice upon encountering his debut solo release, Without Words. Issued by Neurodisc Records/EMI in early 2000, the album featured his interpretation of Bryan Adams' hit "Have You Really Ever Loved a Woman?" Before that project, the American-born musician had already built recognition through a collaboration with Peruvian guitarist Cesar Paucar. Their 1997 album Isla del Sol contained two Hansen originals, the rumba "Punta Arenas" and the ballad "La Scala," both selected for the Neurodisc compilation Pure Flamenco. The pair continued working together for several years. Neurodisc Records/EMI subsequently signed Hansen to a three-album contract spanning the same period. He also completed a collection of love songs reimagined in the nuevo flamenco style, among them two of his own compositions along with the Beatles' "And I Love Her" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song," the Roberta Flack classic. Hansen first took up the guitar at age 14. While attending Florida Athletic University he pursued classical guitar studies, served as president of the Classical Guitar Society, and completed a minor in jazz. He met Paucar during those university years.