On Wednesday night September 4th in Miami, Florida (USA) the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences announced the winners of its Fourth Annual Latin Grammy Awards. A tribute to Celia Cruz and the threat of political demonstrations, but for the world of flamenco the most important news item is that José Sánchez Gómez, 'Pepe de Lucía' (Algeciras, 1945) is the winner in category 27 for Best Flamenco Album with his 'El Corazón de mi Gente' (Pep's Records).
With the staggering number of 41 different categories the organization
finds a niche dedicated to flamenco, and in addition to the winner, this
year's candidates were: Orillas by Juan Carmona [Nomades Kultur], Teatro
Real de Madrid by Diego El Cigala and Niño Josele [Ariola], Un
Ramito De Locura by Carmen Linares with Gerardo Núñez Trío
[Mercury/Universal], Lío by José Mercé [Virgin Spain],
Sueños De Ida y Vuelta by Victor Monge Serranito with Camerata
Romeu [Autor], Gerardo Núñez Presenta La Nueva Escuela De
Guitarra Flamenca by various artists; Gerardo Núñez &
Cepillo [The Act Company].
The winning album is a collection of compositions by the multitalented
Pepe including classic themes such as «Al Alba» or «Como
el Agua» updated by the biggest names of pop and traditional flamenco
such as Remedios Amaya, Manzanita, Malú, Parrita, Niño Josele,
Vicente Amigo, Camela, Tomatito, Carlos Benavent, Tino Di Geraldo, Chicuelo,
Javier Limón, Piraña in addition to Pepe himself. With that
stellar lineup Pepe de Lucía managed to carry off the coveted prize.
Paco de Lucía with Pepe de Lucía
Ever since 1962 when Pepe de Lucía (formerly Pepe de Algeciras),
at the age of 16 won a special prize along with his brother Paco de Lucía,
then 14, at the Concurso Internacional de Arte Flamenco de Jerez de la
Frontera, Pepe's artistic curiosity has led him to a variety of projects
and collaborations. In addition to singing for dance with the groups of
José Greco and Antonio Gades, he has produced records, composed
flamenco-style songs that went on to become hits, been director of international
relations for the Feria Mundial del Flamenco and a regular member of his
brother Paco's band.
