Florian -> Juan Carmona's take on Racism in flamenco (Dec. 26 2006 17:15:02)
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Interesting intervew, u can sense the guys fustration just reading by it. I think hes brilliant and deserves more credit, then again theres alot of guitarists in Spain who are brilliant and not getting the credit they deserve. quote:
The reason I ask is because your professional activities are very broad, you have recordings, and yet it’s not easy to see you in Spain. Yes, it’s funny, and I’m glad you ask, a lot of people say the same thing. Look at my previous record “Orillas”, which is a tribute to Arab culture and flamenco and was nominated for a Grammy, along with José Mercé, Diego Cigala, Serranito, was finally won by Pepe de Lucía. I’ve also got a prize from Madrid from the “Certamen Paco de Lucía”, and a prize from Jerez, I’ve got prizes that few people have. And what other foreigner was ever nominated for a Grammy in the category of flamenco? So it’s strange I still haven’t been able to offer my work here in Spain. And if you ask why, well I just don’t know. Sometimes I think it might be racism. Then other times I think, why should they call me when there are dozens in Spain who play really well, and it’s true there are some great guitarists. But no, I don’t really know the answer. I suppose by “rascism” you mean because you’re not Spanish… Well, maybe the word racism is a little strong, but we all know how the flamenco world is very closed, and not only that, I think it’s also a world full of uneducated people. It’s very hard to have a conversation with flamenco people. I also been in Jerez and played for everyone, Agujetas, Terremoto, Paquera’s family... So it’s all a mystery. It sounds like you’re referring to the prejudice “if he’s not Spanish he can’t play flamenco”, which is what might be going through programmers’ minds… Yes, but then those people aren’t doing their job, because if they were, they’d have to see I was nominated for a Grammy, and the music is right there for them to hear, and I’ve recorded with Duquende, with Montse, with Potito, Carles Benavent, Jorge Pardo, Moraíto, Manolito Sanlúcar, Chano Domínguez... I’ve also played with the Marseilles opera, the Bolshoi.... I’ve been around for years, I’m no newcomer, and this is a strange situation. Interview link
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