(headline image: Juanfe Pérez – Photo by Kaothic Alice)
Juanfe Pérez, born in 1986 in Villanueva de los Castillejos (Huelva), is a versatile musician known for his roles as a bassist, guitarist, composer, and producer. He studied classical guitar at the Conservatorio Profesional Javier Perianes de Huelva, flamenco guitar at the Conservatorio Superior Rafael Orozco de Córdoba, and pursued World Music studies at Codarts (WMDC) in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
In terms of Professional Development, Pérez’s academic pursuits included a focused investigation into the role of the bass in flamenco, culminating in a thesis on the subject. His diverse educational background enabled him to quickly master the language of flamenco bass, leading to his involvement in a variety of flamenco projects, from traditional to instrumental.
In 2015, Pérez presented his own show, “DeBajo,” at the Ciclo de Cafés Cantantes at the Centro Flamenco Fosforito in Córdoba. This performance featured the flamenco bass as the main instrument, exploring its potential in solos and as an accompaniment to singing and dancing.
Moving forward, in 2021, Pérez produced and arranged two albums: Mar de Cobre by singer Cristina Soler and Ser de Luz by flutist Sergio de Lope. His solo album, Prohibido el Toque, was released in September 2022, highlighting the flamenco bass. This album earned a nomination for Best Flamenco Album at the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards.
Pérez has also collaborated with prominent dance companies, including those of Olga Pericet, Rafaela Carrasco, and Sara Calero. He directed and composed music for Ana Pastrana’s show “Comadres.” His collaborations extend to a wide range of national and international artists such as Farruquito, Diego Amador, Rosario La Tremendita, and Jorge Pardo. His performances at national and international festivals have established him as a notable figure in contemporary flamenco music.
The album and show “Prohibido el Toque” is a live performance centered around the bass. The show is noted for its energetic and collaborative atmosphere among the musicians. It features a mix of psychedelic and delicate soundscapes, reimagining traditional flamenco songs in a fresh context. The performance also includes dynamic and powerful climaxes, with the bass taking center stage to reinterpret traditional flamenco forms, akin to the “toques barberos” of the mid-19th century that shaped the guitar’s character. Live performers included Juanfe Pérez on electric bass; Kike Terrón on percussion; David Sancho on keyboards and synthesizers; and Alicia Morales/Gema Caballero on vocals.
In 2024, Juanfe Pérez was selected to perform at the influential showcase Flamenco Eñe.
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.