Inspired by the Catalan Novo Canco movement of the 1950s, Manel Camp is one of Spain's most accomplished contemporary pianists/composers. Born in Barcelona in 1947, his music career began with Fusioon, the prog rock outfit he formed with his brother Jordi, who released three albums before splitting in the mid-'70s. After collaborations with classical pianist Ludovica Mosca and percussionist Santi Arisa, he recorded his debut solo album, Poesia Secreta, in 1985, which kick-started a prolific output that has included soundtracks for the musicals El Retaule de la Llum, Mes Enlla del Bosc, and Canigo y Fades; scores for several films, chamber works, and ballets; and arrangements for the likes of Llúis Llach, Maria del Mar Bonet, and Joan Isaac. A continuous presence on the international festival circuit, Camp has also recently become a teacher of jazz and modern music at L'Escola Superior de Musica de Catalunya. ~ Jon O'Brien