FIESTA de Cante Gitano

Perico el Pañero and his brother José el Pañero are often described as being “from another planet” and most definitely “from another time,” but they are actually young singers in their 30s from the Andalusian port city of Algeciras – birthplace of guitarist Paco de Lucia. Their singing and dancing embody a deep ancestral memory passed down through the generations in a language of gestures and melisma. They take us back to a time when the Gypsy cantes were enmeshed in the harsh reality of poverty and social marginalization from which they emerged and when flamenco dance was a spontaneous expression of cultural identity sparked by the deep feelings evoked by the cante.

Born into a lineage of highly respected, non-professional Gypsy singers, the brothers have garnered a cult following among today’s most hard core flamenco aficionados. Perico is often compared to Manuel Torre or Mojama, and his brother José is said to evoke the old school“festeros,” such as Paco Valdepeñas, Miguel Funi or Anzonini del Puerto.  WATCH VIDEO

They are joined by two outstanding emerging artists from Jerez de la Frontera: guitarist Pepe del Morao and singer Rafael del Zambo.

Pepe del Morao is one of the younger members of the Morao guitar-playing dynasty. Born in 1986, he began his professional life at age 14 working with his grandfather’s group, Manuel Morao y los Gitanos de Jerez.  He was taken under the wing of his uncle Moraíto at a young age and has played alongside his cousin Diego del Morao in numerous performances in Jerez and around the world. A skilled accompanist for the cante he has worked with renowned singers such as Juana la del Pipa and Jesus Méndez and appears on the CD “Nueva Frontera del Cante de Jerez.”  WATCH VIDEO

The young Rafael del Zambo is from the renowned Gypsy flamenco-singing family “los Zambos.” His father is Enrique el Zambo and his uncle Luis el Zambo. Some of the greatest Gypsy singers of the 20th century such as Sordera, Terremoto and Camarón de la Isla were frequent house guests when he was growing up. He stands out among other singers of his generation in Jerez because of his dedication to the most traditional styles of Gypsy cante. Lovers of great flamenco signing have their eye on him and many feel he will continue developing as one of the best singers of the cante puro.  WATCH VIDEO