Cante flamenco, the soulful and intense vocal expression of Spanish flamenco, is a profound and emotional music genre deeply rooted in the cultural melting pot of Andalusia, where Gypsy, Moorish, Jewish, and Andalusian folk elements blend. It's characterized by its passionate delivery, intricate rhythms, and profound lyrics that often tap into themes of love, death, and hardship. The cante is typically accompanied by the toque (flamenco guitar playing), palmas (hand clapping), and sometimes baile (dance). Artists like Camarón de la Isla and José Mercé are iconic for their evocative voices and ability to convey duende, a term for the heightened state of emotion, expression, and authenticity that is central to the flamenco experience. Each performance is an intimate conversation between artist and audience, making cante flamenco a deeply personal and moving art form.

ULTRABELLEZA (Live at NPR's Tiny Desk)

María José Llergo

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released October 27, 2024