Juanito Valderrama is the last star of flamenco’s Golden Age and although it was his work as pop and lyrical Spanish singer that brought him fame and success, it’s probably what he did as flamenco singer and author that will engrave his name in the collective memory.
Never before in the recent history of flamenco have so many first-rate
figures come together on one recording. Three winners of Spain’s
national prize for music, Paco de Lucía, Enrique Morente and Carmen
Linares head the list, along with young up-and-coming stars like Arcángel,
Miguel Poveda, Montse Cortés, Potito, Valderrama junior, Niño
Josele, and veterans like El Pele and Vicente Amigo, Guadiana, Pepe de
Lucía, Juan Habichuela, Diego el Cigala… In all, nearly twenty
first-line artists.
The record’s orientation is flamenco, and although attention is
paid to the tradition and creative depth of maestro Valderrama, the overall
sound is modern and updated to the present musical moment, which is sure
to attract a youthful audience formerly unaware of this music.
Freedom of expression has been the hallmark of this recording and each
singer and guitarist has contributed in his or her own special way. We
all left a little bit of our soul in this recorded tribute, and now the
best way to say thank you to Juan for his art, is to listen to it and
enjoy it in the most heartfelt way.
On February 23rd at Madrid’s Palacio de Congresos, the Junta de
Andalucía pays tribute to Juanito Valderrama with the participation
of many of the best artists of the genre. Potito with his fandangos, Vicente
Amigo with El Pele and Diego el Cigala with bulerías, Montse Cortés
will sing tientos, Carmen Linares, malagueñas, José el Francés
and Niño Josele will interpret Valderrama’s immortal pasodoble
‘El emigrante’, in addition to Arcángel, Miguel Poveda,
Juan Habichuela, Pepe de Lucía, Paquete… A fantastic show of
affection and support for Valderrama.
