Flamenco guitarist Juan Ramón Caro was honored with the ‘Pencho Cros’ Award for Discography at the 63rd edition of the Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas for his album Caríssimo. This marks an evolution in his guitar concept since his first album, Rosa de los Vientos, and includes a track performed with Miguel Poveda, which reflects their journey to the Cante de las Minas competition and Poveda’s win of the ‘Lámpara Minera’. This track was performed during the opening of the current festival edition.
During the award ceremony held yesterday as part of the festival’s cultural agenda, Caro expressed feeling “disoriented” due to the nature of his craft. “Guitarists are hidden behind the guitar, and being here feels like facing a bull,” he remarked, noting that guitar albums often go unnoticed. Upon being notified of the award months ago, Caro expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is always appreciated when a guitarist receives recognition.”
Caro also shared that the award serves as an incentive to continue his dedication to the instrument. He highlighted Antonia Contreras, the 2016 ‘Lámpara Minera’ winner whom he accompanied during her win, as a significant motivator for this latest work. “My soul companion Antonia convinced me to record the album,” he recounted emotionally.
Caro concluded by expressing his appreciation for the festival: “Thank you very much, and long live the festival. May we continue to meet here for many more years.”
Author: World Music Central News Room
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