Podcast Summary

Nuestro flamenco — Granada en las voces y guitarras de hoy (II)

Radio Clásica | Host: José María Velázquez Gaztelu | 23/12/25

Overview

In this episode of "Nuestro flamenco", host José María Velázquez Gaztelu continues the musical exploration of Granada’s flamenco scene, focusing on contemporary voices and guitarists. The program showcases both legendary names and the fresh talent driving the evolution of Granada’s flamenco tradition, offering listeners an auditory journey through recent recordings and live performances. Special emphasis is placed on the diversity of styles, the influence of poetic texts (notably Federico García Lorca), and the interplay of tradition and innovation within the current Granada flamenco landscape.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Musical Prologue: Álvaro Martinete

• [00:01–09:03]
  • The episode opens with the granaína "Huerta de las Flores" by young Granadian guitarist and composer Álvaro Martinete. This instrumental sets the tone for a night dedicated to flamenco’s contemporary Granada expressions.

2. Honoring Granada’s Masters and New Voices

• [11:10]

  • Velázquez Gaztelu pays homage to the late maestro Juan Habichuela (d. 2016), highlighting a granaína performance featuring the voice of Kiki Morente.

  • He emphasizes the "ebullition" and diversity of contemporary flamenco in Granada, referencing leading figures in dance such as Eva Yerbabuena and Manuel Liñán, and noting the thriving scene both in performance and creation.

    "Granada Viva, con un flamenco en ebullición, diverso y de enérgica actividad cantaora, guitarrística y también dancística..."
    — José María Velázquez Gaztelu [11:30]

• Reference to previous episode’s featured stars (Manuela Marina Heredia, Alfredo Tejada, Estrella Morente, El Turri, Pepe Habichuela) and introduction to this episode's new voices.

3. Gema Caballero: From Tradition to Innovation

• [13:58–21:22]

  • Singer and artistic director Gemma Caballero performs "La bambera o cantes de columpio" from her acclaimed album Lo traigo andao (2019), featuring Javier Patino (guitar) and Raúl Domínguez Soto (percussion).

  • The lively, playful interplay of lyrics and rhythm reflects Granada’s deep folk roots while celebrating the unique artistry of Caballero.

    "No me bajo, no me bajo porque no me da la gana. El que quiera otro columpio, vaya a su casa."
    — Gema Caballero [16:28]

• Velázquez Gaztelu underscores Caballero's versatility, both in concert performance and collaboration with contemporary dance artists.

4. Sergio Gómez 'El Colorao': A Family Legacy

• [21:22–26:57]

  • Introduction to Sergio Gómez "El Colorao", member of a renowned artistic family.

  • Presentation of "Baladilla de los tres ríos" from his 2022 album Graná, with special reference to Federico García Lorca's poetry and a tribute to Pepe Albaicín, whose voice closes the piece.

    "Graná hace un recorrido de estilos de la tierra... versiones muy personales. También incluye fandangos de Morente o La Baladilla de los tres ríos, con letras de Federico García Lorca..."
    — José María Velázquez Gaztelu [21:35]

5. Tribute to Morente: Vocal Polyphony and Poetic Depth

• [26:57–36:19]

  • Discusses the 2021 album Tributo a Morente. Flamenco a voces by Miguel Ochando (guitarist, d. 2024) and cantaores Antonio Fernández, Fernando Rodríguez, and Salvador Torres "Coco."

  • Focus on the innovative approach incorporating vocal polyphony and choral passages, citing the "morentiano" style.

  • Features a granaina–chaconiana with a fandango abandolao finale, using texts by Lorca.

    "Incluso utilizando los criterios estéticos de éste, con la inclusión de pasajes polifónicos y corales."
    — José María Velázquez Gaztelu [27:40]

6. Antonio Campos: The Poet-Singer

• [36:19–45:00]

  • Introduction of Antonio Campos, singer, guitarist, and writer.

  • The 2020 track "La tierra no calla, a Lorca", a moving tribute to Lorca, blending Mariana and Tango forms. Features Dani de Morón (guitar) and Los Melliños (palmas and jaleo).

  • Lyrics explore the persistence of artistic and human spirit despite oppression:

    "Quisieron callarte pero no han podido. Mataron al hombre cuando era un mito. La tierra no calla, un poeta tan grande..."
    — Antonio Campos [39:21, 40:40]

7. Juan Pinilla: Soleares for the Pavón Family

• [45:00–52:42]

  • Spotlights Juan Pinilla, award-winning singer, scholar, and journalist recognized as "Hijo Predilecto" of Granada.

  • Presents soleares dedicated to the legendary Casa Pavón—special mention to La Niña de los Peines and Tomás Pavón. Accompanied by Antonio de la Luz (guitar).

    "¿Que tenía esa casada? Que todos son gloria..."
    — Juan Pinilla [46:57]

  • The lyrics reflect on glory and memory within flamenco tradition, and fleeting personal connections.

8. Conclusion: Return to Gemma Caballero

• [52:42–57:27]

  • The episode closes with a live zambra, "A graná me quiero ir", performed by Gemma Caballero with Javier Patino (guitar) and Raúl Domínguez Soto (percussion).

  • The song’s evocative lyrics and rhythms serve as a loving homage to Granada.

    "Sale el sol ilumina por su montaña... que me baile la cueva, cante y baile ring, ring..."
    — Gemma Caballero [54:00]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Granada’s modern flamenco scene:
  "Granada Viva, con un flamenco en ebullición, diverso y de enérgica actividad cantaora, guitarrística y también dancística..."
  — José María Velázquez Gaztelu [11:30]

• On Gema Caballero’s independence and spirit:
  "No me bajo, no me bajo porque no me da la gana."
  — Gema Caballero [16:28]

• On the poetic endurance of Lorca:
  "Quisieron callarte pero no han podido. Mataron al hombre cuando era un mito. La tierra no calla, un poeta tan grande..."
  — Antonio Campos [39:21, 40:40]

• On the power of memory in flamenco:
  "¿Que tenía esa casada? Que todos son gloria..."
  — Juan Pinilla [46:57]

• Granada as a place of return and inspiration:
  "Sale el sol ilumina por su montaña... que me baile la cueva, cante y baile ring, ring..."
  — Gemma Caballero [54:00]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–09:03: Álvaro Martinete – "Huerta de las Flores" (guitar)
• 11:10–13:58: Kiki Morente & Juan Habichuela – Granaína; discussion of Granada’s flamenco scene
• 13:58–21:22: Gema Caballero – "La bambera o cantes de columpio" (live)
• 21:22–26:57: Sergio Gómez “El Colorao” – "Baladilla de los tres ríos"
• 26:57–36:19: Tributo a Morente – Granaína chaconiana/fandango abandolao
• 36:19–45:00: Antonio Campos – "La tierra no calla, a Lorca"
• 45:00–52:42: Juan Pinilla – Soleares for Casa Pavón
• 52:42–57:27: Gemma Caballero – "A graná me quiero ir" (zambra, live)

Conclusion

This episode weaves together tradition, poetic homage, and bold individual artistry, unveiling the living richness and versatility of Granada's flamenco community. Through musical selections and thoughtful introductions, José María Velázquez Gaztelu guides listeners on a vibrant journey, spotlighting legacy and innovation across generations of singers and guitarists.