José Mercé — Teatro Real, Madrid, 2006

Recital by cantaor José Mercé at the Teatro Real in Madrid, one of Spain’s most prestigious opera houses, where his appearance marked an important milestone in his career. Born in Jerez de la Frontera in 1955, in the Santiago neighborhood, José Mercé is one of the great voices of contemporary flamenco, an heir to the purest tradition while also opening up to more popular forms. In the hushed setting of the Teatro Real, his powerful, soulful voice unfolds the cante jondo repertoire — soleá, bulerías, tangos, fandangos — with the intensity and restraint characteristic of the great masters. This live capture conveys the emotion of a recital in which the singing, the audience’s attention and the theatre’s silence matter as much as the melismas. For lovers of flamenco and vocal art, this live concert video is a valuable testimony to one of the major cantaores of his generation, at his best. Running time: roughly 36 minutes.