Podcast Summary: "Aventuremos la vida" – José de los Camarones

Podcast: Nuestro flamenco
Host: José María Velázquez-Gaztelu (Radio Clásica, RNE)
Episode Date: December 29, 2025
Guest: José de los Camarones

Episode Overview

This episode of Nuestro flamenco is a rich journey through the multi-faceted artistry of José de los Camarones, centered around his latest album, Aventuremos la vida. The show blends flamenco history, personal reflection, and an exploration of how classic and contemporary influences shape the genre today. The host and guest discuss the roots of flamenco, poetic inspiration, and how life’s adversities inform the evolution of both personal and musical journeys.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Prólogo Guitarrístico: Tributo a Paco de Lucía

00:01–24:07

• Tribute Album "Paqueando": Music by José María Bandera and Diego Amador celebrates Paco de Lucía's compositions, including “Monasterio de Sal,” “Canción de Amor,” and “La Minera”.
• Bandera's Roots: José María Bandera’s family legacy (grandson of Antonio Sánchez Pecino, nephew of Paco de Lucía) and his artistic journey are highlighted.
• Diego Amador: Celebrated as a multifaceted musician from a distinguished Sevillian gypsy family, Amador's versatility (piano, guitar, vocals) features prominently.
• Musical Excerpts: Excerpts from the tribute album are played, including instrumental mastery and heartfelt vocals.

2. Presentación de "Aventuremos la vida"

29:02 onwards

• The album is introduced as an adventurous new chapter for José de los Camarones, blending tradition with new musical textures and deep literary influences.

In-Depth Interview with José de los Camarones

The Meaning and Inspiration of the Album

29:57–30:58

• Title Origin: The phrase “Aventuremos la vida” comes from a verse by Santa Teresa de Jesús.
• Personal Adventure: José describes the album as “una nueva aventura artística y una aventura preciosa” (“a new artistic adventure and a beautiful adventure”).
• Life Manifesto: "Cada vez que me levanto es aventurar la vida día tras día." (“Every time I wake up, it’s to venture into life, day after day.”)

Artistic Evolution since "Anclé mi alma"

31:22–32:30

• José reflects on radical change since his 2022 album, “Anclé mi alma,” revealing that personal hardship led to profound introspection and renewal:

“Me tuve que rendir, me tuve que rendir, tuve que morir para nacer.”
(“I had to surrender, I had to surrender, I had to die to be born.”) — José de los Camarones [31:22]

The Role of Producer Josema García Pelayo

32:30–33:41

• Producer’s Influence: Josema is credited with fundamentally shaping the new project, fostering both creative and personal well-being.
• Mutual Trust: “Yo me he volcado y me sigo volcando con ellos en cuerpo y alma, me abro en caná.”
  ("I've given myself over to them body and soul, I open myself up completely.")

Literary Voices and Poetic Resonance

38:08–40:03

• The album draws from renowned poets: Ángel González, Santa Teresa de Jesús, Rumi, Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, Omar Khayyam.
• José finds kinship and existential reflection in their work:

“Cuando leo a esos grandes personajes místicos... está hablando del dolor, está hablando del amor, también de la alegría.”
(“When I read those great mystical figures—talking about pain, love, joy—I feel they're speaking my language.”)

• The act of protest through love:

“Protesto, pero a través del amor. Protesto siempre a través del amor.”
(“I protest, but through love. I always protest through love.”) — José de los Camarones [38:44]

Flamenco Roots & Personal History

40:03–41:27

• From the Streets: José describes learning as a mariscador (shellfish seller) in Jerez, emphasizing the importance of his lineage and ongoing connection:

“No me tengo que acordar siempre de la cantera de donde fui arrancado. Sigo vendiendo mis camarones...”
(“I always have to remember where I came from. I still sell my shrimp...”)

• Empathy: Life's hardships have taught him compassion:

“Cuando veo el dolor ajeno, entonces empiezo a ser humano.”
(“When I see someone else’s pain, that’s when I start to be human.”)

Learning from the Flamenco Greats & Life’s Lessons

47:33–49:09

• Lessons in flamenco were learned from local legends (“Terremoto,” “Tío Borrico,” “Fernando de la Morena”) and in the taverns of Jerez as a youth.
• Reflects on the emotional gravity of flamenco:

“Comprendí de que el arte flamenco no tiene carné de identidad y la hambre tampoco tiene carné de identidad.”
(“I understood that flamenco art has no identity card, and neither does hunger.”)

Musical Change and Generational Legacy

49:09–51:49

• The essence of “cante” (singing) remains intact, but the musical surroundings have evolved with new instruments and arrangements.
• Encourages future generations to explore, questioning and seeking the roots of flamenco.
• On teaching children:

“A la nueva juventud hay que atraerla... yo la quiero atraer en ese sentido.”
(“You have to draw in the new youth... that's what I want to do.”)

Notable Musical Moments & Passages

Sample Tracks from the Album

With rich arrangements and poetic texts, the episode includes:

• Por Soleá setting Bécquer’s poem—electric guitar, modern rhythm section.
• Peteneras y malagueñas del Mellizo featuring Santa Teresa’s texts and nuns’ choir (34:19)
• La Colombiana – Tenlo por cuenta with lyrics by Fernando Lobo
• Tangos del Renacido — lyrics by José Manuel Díez Duende, vibrant modern arrangement (51:49)

Memorable Quotes

• On Life’s Adventure:
  “He estado muy feliz con el trabajo. Para mí cada vez que me levanto es aventurar la vida día tras día.”
  — José de los Camarones [30:20]

• On Artistic Renewal:
  “Tuve que rendirme, tuve que morir para nacer.”
  — José de los Camarones [31:22]

• On Protest in Art:
  “Yo protesto, pero a través del amor.”
  — José de los Camarones [38:44]

• On Life’s Lessons:
  “Aprendí en los búhios, en los tabanques... comprendí que el arte flamenco no tiene carné de identidad y la hambre tampoco.”
  — José de los Camarones [47:33]

• On Guiding the Next Generation:
  “A la nueva juventud hay que atraerla... Ellos tienen que buscar la fuente de donde vienen.”
  — José de los Camarones [49:41]

Selected Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01: Introduction and tribute to Paco de Lucía
• 16:16: Diego Amador’s heartfelt tribute in “Minera”
• 29:02: Introduction to José de los Camarones and his album
• 30:20: Artist’s reflection on the meaning of “Aventuremos la vida”
• 34:19: Recitation and musical adaptation of Santa Teresa’s poetry
• 38:44: On poetic inspirations and artistic protest
• 40:38: Connection to roots and lasting identity as a mariscador
• 47:33: Lifelong learning from the streets and great flamenco figures
• 49:41: Evolution of his music and thoughts on artistic authenticity
• 51:49: Final musical excerpt—Tangos del Renacido

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode exudes warmth, wisdom, humility, and reverence for both the flamenco tradition and personal storytelling. The sincerity of José de los Camarones shines through, as does the host’s experienced, poetic narration. Throughout, the language balances poetic gravitas with relatable anecdotes, always maintaining a respectful and familiar tone.

Conclusion

This episode showcases the vibrant legacy and continuous evolution of flamenco through the lens of José de los Camarones’s personal and artistic journey. Aventuremos la vida stands as a testament to both honoring tradition and welcoming renewal—inviting listeners old and new to “venture into life” through music, poetry, and lived experience.

For anyone seeking a profound and moving insight into the world of contemporary flamenco, personal transformation, and the enduring power of poetry in music, this is an essential listen.