The prestigious Chair of FlamencoAndalusian Folklore and Studies of Jerez has appointed the flamenco singer by vote of its members Mayte Martín (Barcelona, 1965) Prize of cante In this edition. Since Mayte is Catalan, we must acknowledge the added merit, although it is true that the city of Barcelona is home to a large community of Andalusians whose families emigrated between the 50s and 70s in search of employment.
Mayte, winner of important national awards, such as those from La Unión or Córdoba, is one of the most artistically honest flamenco singers currently activeThe understated dark suit with a black t-shirt. The undyed gray hair. No makeup. A most austere and elegant presentation to deliver cante Absolutely brilliant. This flamenco singer shines through. his intelligence and wisdomWe've heard the flamenco singers with raspy voices and questionable teeth. And okay, fine, they're not necessarily unpleasant; rather, they're details that add a certain color and substance to the performance, while also lending credibility. We live on. the era of the fusion of the old-fashioned with the contemporaryA recipe that often delivers rich flavors without losing its thread flamenco.
"Mayte Martín's clear voice appeals to those who usually prefer the cante "Stale, because it's not cloying sweetness but sorrowful. Or as this lipstick ad I just read says, a strong shade made simple, because what's iconic never ages, it's redefined."
But Mayte's path is different. In the early 80s, the flamenco singer frequently appeared on television singing to a flamenco dancer; could it be La TaniAnd it was through these programs that I became hooked on Catalan music. She was the most important flamenco singer in that region at a time when Catalans were beginning to diversify their offerings beyond the hugely popular Catalan rumba. Peret, Antonio González and other performers to open the doors to art jondo more varied with figures like Duquende o Miguel Povedawhich continue to be successful today. I had Catalan Gypsy friends who called the bulería "the rumba of the Andalusians".
Mayte Martín, a singular yet rigorously classical flamenco singer. She achieves the difficult feat of being original within the classical tradition, attaining something personal of her own, starting from forms that some today would call historical. The great machine of flamenco It fulfills its mission when this contemporary woman, with an impeccable career, moves us with no other "adornment" than a guitarist made to measure, like those who have accompanied her throughout the years, Juan Gómez “Chicuelo”, Raúl “El Perla”, Juan Ramón Caro, Alejandro Hurtado, José Gálvez o Joseph Louis MontonAmong others, there are diverse colors, masters of subtlety, with contemporary harmony, or Mayte herself, accompanying herself with all the courage and tranquility in the world. Also noteworthy is her album of boleros with the Moncho, or his collaboration with the pianist Tete MontoliúBoth are missing. For a time she sang at the dance of Mayan Bethlehem, daughter of the teacher Mario Maya.
Mayte's clear voice appeals to those who usually prefer the cante stale, because it's not a fussy sweetness but a painful one. Or as this lipstick advertisement I just read says, which coincidentally describes Mayte Martín's approach well: A strong tone made simple, because what is iconic never ages, but rather is redefined.
