Eloise Horsfield
By Eloise Horsfield
A LONDON-BORN flamenco guitarist has received a tribute from Nerja locals for his contribution to the genre over three decades.
Mike Jingle, 61, (right) was born in Twickenham – but you would never believe that if you heard him play.
At a musical event at Torres de San Juan restaurant in Nerja, he was presented with a collage of his career and a guitar head mounted on a stand, to celebrate his life of flamenco.
“It’s incredible,” said the musician, who moved to Andalucia to learn his trade from gypsies. “It’s kind of like winning a mini Oscar.
“Close to 40 years ago I walked into the Tied End pub in Middlesex and heard the haunting flamenco guitar sound, which dramatically changed my life.”
Jingle believes being foreign helped him because of the ‘novelty factor’. He now specialises in performances at weddings and parties.
ANECDOTE:
I have known Mick since I was a boy in England long before either myself or Mick moved to Spain.
Back in the seventies when he was learning his trade, he would stay in the Hostal Fontainebleau in Nerja which belonged to my parents, and he would spend the entire afternoon sending me and all of our guests crazy as he practised on his guitar, so much so that one day he asked me if I had any super glue for his false nails as he’d worn out his own!
Robert Edwards
Wonder if he’s as good as my old mate Mick Wilson who used to stun Spaniards with his Flamenca playing also an amazing rock guitarist as well.
I lived in Nerja in 1979-82. Used to meet Mike as he went from place to place where he performed, in different restaurant in the town. And at the flamenco show every evening. And sometimes at his place listen to him practice. Think he played his guitar 14-16 hrs. everyday.
So if he performs in Nerja , go and listen. You will not be dissapointed for sure.
If you see this Mike, nice to learn you are doing well, from Philip the Dane (Capistrano then).
I met Mike in London at Sevilla Mia flamenco bar in the late
eigties and Mike was an excellent player as well as a fantastic person.
all the best
One in a Million!!!! Love this guy to bits.
He used to babysit me back in the 70´s….showing my age now!!!
Brilliant Guitarist and a brilliant person with a heart of gold!
Luv ya Jingle!! xxxxx