Roque Montoya ‘Jarrito’ – Grands Cantaores du Flamenco, vol. 26 (Le Chant du Monde 2742389, 2016)
The flamenco series Grands Cantaores du Flamenco focuses on the late gitano (gypsy) cantaor (flamenco singer) Roque Montoya Heredia, better known as ‘Jarrito.’ The selection includes songs from the late 1950s and early 1960s. Jarrito built his career performing at Madrid’s iconic tablaos (flamenco nightclubs) and touring worldwide with some of the finest flamenco dance companies.
Jarrito mastered most flamenco genres from various parts of Andalusia: peteneras, fandangos de Huelva, serranas, tarantas, granadinas, mineras, malagueñas, soleares, verdiales, tientos, soleá, cantiñas, cartageneras and more. He’s been described as a walking encyclopedia of flamenco styles. His vocal performances were truly diverse, from calm whispers to gut wrenching passionate cries.
It’s fascinating to listen to pre-1970s flamenco recordings. The arrangements were quite different at the time. In addition to guiar accompaniment, Jarrito’s songs include palmas (flamenco handclapping percussion), flamenco dance foot-stomping and castanets.
Roque Montoya Heredia was born in San Roque (Cádiz) in 1925 and passed away in Marbella (Málaga) in 1995. The CD booklet contains extensive biographical information in English, Spanish and French.
Grands Cantaores du Flamenco, vol. 26 features ardent performances by one of the great flamenco vocalists of the 20th century.
Buy Grands Cantaores du Flamenco, vol. 26 in North America
Buy Grands Cantaores du Flamenco, vol. 26 in Europe
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.
