Silvia Calado Olivo. Jerez, November 13th, 2003
Photos: Daniel Muñoz

"With 'Luminaria', Juan Diego shows that you don't need technical wonders to reach the soul". Moraíto hit the nail on the head. Sensitivity outweighs filigree on the album with which Juan Diego makes his début. And that might be why the ceremony was so scented with emotionality at which the Jerez-born guitarist presented his début album at Villavicencio Palace in Jerez de la Frontera on the night of November 13th, 2003. The guitarist appeared before his hometown supported by Moraíto Chico and José Mercé.

Juan Diego, José Mercé and Moraíto Chico

Nearly every one of those gathered in the palace hall of Jerez's Alcázar had a role in the story. One of the stars was Moraíto Chico, who told that the album "was created alongside him, since every time he had a song he brought it for me to listen to". The advice, from guitarist to guitarist, was "you didn't have to complicate your life to express feelings, for him to use his weapon, the guitar". His opinion is therefore valuable: 'Luminaria' is "a record with colors, with sensitivity, with soul, elegant... and without abusing technique". It is clear to the guitarist: "I foresee a great future for him".

Coinciding with said prediction was José Mercé, the cantaor who Juan Diego usually accompanies. He foretold that "shortly a lot's going to be heard about him in Jerez, all over Spain and beyond our borders". Mercé said that "it's an obligation of mine to be next to Juan Diego, since he's among the people from Jerez with a great future on the guitar". Besides praising his personality, he highlighted his artistic qualities: "Sensitivity and feeling". And he added that his album début "makes him proud", "since he's an artist who brings me to life having him beside me on stage".

Juan Diego and José Mercé

Dr. Kelly also took the floor. The record's artistic producer pointed out that "if there's something to be grateful for in music it's albums like this one. The love for music is requited here". And he gave "thanks to Juan Diego for letting me get involved in his musical life and accepting me". The director of the Bujío Producciones label, Antonio Heredia, appeared before the microphones to say that "it's a huge pleasure to have the chance to make this album for artistic purposes, since it fits into our line of music published without concessions, for the heart".

Juan Diego was, on the contrary, the most sparing in words. "I'm embarrassed to talk after what they've said". Briefly, he gave his thanks and love to those present: "I love you all". And the audience, made up above all of flamenco artists, burst into applause. There was still one 'report' remaining, that of composer Pascual González, who told the story of 'Luminaria' in verse to the delight of the crowd, which included modern guitarists (colleagues) such as Diego de Morao, Bolita, José Carlos Gómez and Javier Patino. The ceremony concluded the way ceremonies conclude in this land, toasting with just-poured sherry.

Juan Diego, José Mercé and Moraíto Chico

magazine@flamenco-world.com