CARTE BLANCHE DIEGO CARRASCO

Singer-songwriter, improviser and composer Diego Carrasco is a regular guest at the festival. And for good reason: rhythm devil Carrasco (1954) is the absolute master of the compás (rhythms) of his native Jerez de la Frontera. His experiments, elusive style and original lyrics have made him a figurehead of the new flamenco, and have practically made him a guru to many young flamenco artists. In the way Israel Galván has transformed flamenco dance, flamenco magician Carrasco is doing the same to music. Under his leadership a whole new generation of musicians is developing who, with tradition in their genes, are bringing flamenco to jazz, rock and pop. Critic Mingus B. Formentor wrote: ‘He plays with music like a wise child: spontaneous and free, without losing track of the essence. He really has the gift of the gab.’
Eight years after his last album ‘Mi ADN Flamenco’ (My Flamenco DNA) there is a good reason for a big party, since the maestro will present his new CD: ‘Hippytano’, with his Family Band. Naturally, he pays tribute to ‘Morao del Alma’, his great friend and brother, guitarist Manuel Moreno Junquera (1956-2011), aka Morao, Moraíto Chico. An elegy ‘por bulería’, full of emotion and rhythm: ‘Que solito me has dejao, Morao.’

Before the concert, there will be a screening of the director’s cut (52 m) of the documentary ‘El Cante Bueno Duele’ (2010), made by Martijn van Beenen and Ernestina van de Noort for NTR TV about this great gypsy guitarist.

During the flamenco biennale the Bimhuis restaurant will serve a Spanish menu and there will be a special festival wine.