The Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas has awarded guitarist Juan Ramón Caro the ‘Pencho Cros’ prize for his discography. Caro’s second album, ‘Caríssimo,’ is described as “the culmination of the last few years, of aesthetic and guitaristic concepts.” The quality of this work has earned him recognition, and he will receive the award on Friday, August 9, at 8:00 PM at the La Unión City Hall. “Guitar albums often go unnoticed because flamenco singing is more renowned. Receiving an award as a guitarist is always appreciated,” Caro remarked emotionally.
Juan Ramón Caro first visited La Unión in 1991 and was captivated by the city and the Cante de las Minas. Two years later, he accompanied Miguel Poveda on the ‘Catedral del Cante’ stage when the young singer won the ‘Lámpara Minera.’ Caro recalls a memorable anecdote from their train journey from Barcelona to Cartagena: “Miguel was struggling with the Cartagenera style. During the trip, we reviewed it together, and I guided him on where to breathe and extend notes, which he mastered perfectly.”
This year, Caro will perform again with Miguel Poveda at the Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas on August 1 during the opening ceremony and on August 2 at the flamenco gala.
In 2016, Caro also contributed to Antonia Contreras winning the prestigious ‘Lámpara Minera,’ and her voice is featured on his album ‘Caríssimo.’ The album includes a track titled ‘La Unión 1993,’ a minera with Miguel Poveda, dedicated to the city of La Unión and commemorating their journey to the Cante de las Minas competition.