The Jerez dynasty of the Morao family mourns
the loss of Juan Moreno Jiménez

Moraíto Chico's father, Manuel Morao's brother, has passed away at 67

Estela Zatania

When traditional flamenco-lovers have barely had time to accept the loss of the Seville-born cantaor Naranjito de Triana, another artist who symbolizes the golden era of the festivals has passed away. Juan Moreno Jiménez, of the guitar-playing Morao dynasty from the Santiago neighborhood of Jerez died in his hometown on April 27 2002 at the age of 67.

Moraíto, Juan Morao's son (Photo Daniel Muñoz)

In his youth, Manuel Morao's younger brother was known as Moraíto, but the nickname later went to his son Manuel Moreno Junquera, father of the young guitarist Diego de Morao. The family is related to the Parrilla family of Jerez and they are followers of the Javier Molina school of flamenco guitar-playing.

Juan Moreno spent his professional life in the shadow of his older brother Manuel, with a playing style that was both crisp and solid. He accompanied the most important stars of dance such as Carmen Amaya, Matilde Coral, Rafael el Negro, el Güito and Farruco. For seven years he played in the company of the great Antonio with whom he toured half the world. He also played for singers Manolo Caracol, Tío Borrico, Sernita, Sordera, Romerito, Terremoto (father and son), Antonio Mairena, Fernanda de Utrera, el Chocolate and La Perla de Cádiz among others. He can be heard on recordings accompanying La Paquera, María Vargas and Fernando Terremoto.

In the seventies he appeared at Madrid's tablaos as well as in summer festivals, and later went on to join his brother's company, Gitanos de Jerez. In the year 2000 he founded the 'Escuela de Bulerías Juan Morao' whose program offered courses and workshops all centered on the compás of bulerías, the Jerez palo par excellence.

Aside from his playing, Juan Moreno will be remembered for his boundless sense of humor. In Jerez the anecdote of how he showed up for work at an important theater mounted on horseback is legendary.

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