Mano de Dios

Mano de Dios

Mano de Dios is a flamenco-punk group formed in 2007 by guitarist Jackson Scott, Cuban bass player Jimmy Martinez and percussionist Roberto Ares, who has returned from studying percussion in Brazil. Sky Murphy later joins the group on guitar and trombone. Scott has played guitar since childhood, and his interest in flamenco and gypsy music comes from growing up near Seville and from travels through India.

Style and influences

The group’s music combines flamenco, punk, blues, rumba and samba. It is also described as moving in a more gypsy punk direction on later recordings. The band is associated with the labels “The Spanish Pogues” and “the Indie Gypsy Kings”.

Recordings and production

Mano de Dios records its first EP in 2008 with producer Josh Macrae, who is known for his work with Queen. Later recordings are produced by Youth.

Live appearances and collaborations

The group plays at events and venues including The Secret Garden Party, Glastonbury and the Guggenheim museum. It also supports Roxy Music, The Peth, Shaggy and Mick Jones of The Clash.

Name

The name Mano de Dios is a pun on Diego Maradona’s famous excuse.