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Alberto García Reyes
June, 2001
"Chancillo,
do that little bulerías song that you know". He was only 10 years
old when Ignacio Espelete gave him a part in the flamenco parties in the old quarter
of Santamaría. For Juan Miguel Ramírez, rhythm is just another part
of his body".
He's 72 years old,
but Chano laughs like a little kid when the talk is about flamenco. Seated in
his armchair, Juan looks at all his awards and commemorative plaques with a touch
of childlike glee.
With a record as
distinguished as this citizen of Cádiz, bearing witness to the cantes of
Enrique el Mellizo, el Gordo Ortega, Rosario la Mejorana, or el Espeleta is something
that should concern Lobato. "There continue to be many good people in Cádiz
because there is a great love of flamenco here. Now there are young people who
are very well trained; the things they are doing at the university are surprising,
and, to tell the truth, I am in favor of progress. The only thing I don't want
to happen is to lose the special feeling of Cádiz. That must be respected
and preserved. Everyone should do what he likes, but they should also be acquainted
with the old songs.
AZÚCAR
CANDÉ
On "Azúcar
candé", the flamenco from Cádiz collaborated with Lucrecia.
At first it might seem contradictory that Chano should defend the traditions of
his region and, at the same time, share the starring role with someone from the
other side of the Atlantic. "I did a show with a Cuban group last year, and
it was fantastic. The important thing was that I did what I knew and they did
what they knew, and afterward today's progressive thinkers took charge of pulling
it all together". Progress is something the singer values much more than
the younger generation. Not in vain did he have to put up with a lot from the
"señoritos" (wealthy bon vivants): I lived at a time when you
had to put your guitar on your shoulder and make the rounds of the country estates.
That's why I'm happy that flamenco has become what it is today, that it is held
in greater esteem. Today the young kids who want to learn the songs have it a
lot easier than we did because there are some really fabulous recordings now.
In my day, we had to go to a bar where they played records or learn by going to
juergas. But that was a good thing, too, because there you had the opportunity
to talk to people. You would have the master in front of you telling you what
he was doing". Before ending our chat Chano explains that lately he walks
on a regular basis for his health. But then he confesses, "I really like
having a beer, and yesterday I drank two or three even though I shouldn't have".
His witty character and friendliness with everyone lure him into a get-together.
Surely this is why he knows so much about life: "Let's have a beer, shall
we, friend…"
Translation:
Marie Jost
Photos: Anahí Cármody
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