Manuel Agujetas is an outstanding, controversial singer – anarchic and unpredictable. Born in Jerez de la Frontera in 1939, Agujetas is one of the most important figures in the history of flamenco.
Heir to the Spanish Gypsy tradition of singing blacksmiths, Agujetas worked in his father’s forge until 1970, when he made his first recording. He has achieved international recognition for his singing of the stunningly intense form of flamenco, cante jondo (deep song), which includes flamenco’s purest, ancient styles such as martinetes and siguiriyas.
He is the father of singers Dolores Agujetas and Antonio Agujetas. He has recorded over 10 albums and appears in Carlos Saura’s film “Flamenco” and is the subject of Dominique Abel’s documentary “Agujetas, Cantaor”.
Agujetas will be joined by his wife, dancer Kanako and the superb young Gypsy guitarist Manuel Valencia of Jerez de la Frontera, a student of both maestro Manuel Morao and Gerardo Núñez and the nephew of Terremoto, from whom he learned to accompany the cante.
More at: http://www.BayAreaFlamencoFestival.com
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
