In Caló, the language of the Spanish Gypsies, Chusco means the crunchy end of a loaf of bread. Chuscales, or Chusco for short, refers to a person who is a "guitar-cruncher." José Luis Valle Fajardo, better known as Chuscales, is a guitarist with consummate skill and deep understanding. A native of Antequera, Spain, Chuscales grew up in the tradition of the Gypsies in a family well known for its professional musicians and dancers. His grandmother was among those who lived in the caves of Sacromonte, one of the legendary cradles of flamenco. Chuscales recalls, "there were shows, with Gypsies from Granada who grew up in families who lived in those caves. I wish you could see it, to see the families in the caves and the singing and dancing. There might be seven, eight, maybe nine caves, all with singing and dancing, and there would be more singing and dancing on the streets every day. It was unbelievable. It was the best time in all my life. It was like a dream. This is where I learned everything — the rhythm, the beat, the guitar. I am still learning from those thousands of nights performing with my family, with my father, my grandfather, and my friends." Chuscales began guitar lessons at age six under the tutelage of Joaquín Fajardo, one of the many masters in the region where Segovia and other greats have studied. As a teenager, Chuscales sought the company of Paco de Lucía, who often performed in the area and would take time to teach the talented youngster and answer his qu