I had the pleasure of meeting Juan Antonio Muñoz On October 28, 2009, during the events organized for the centenary of the birth of Antonio Cruz García, Antonio MairenaThe Andalusian Regional Government and the University of Seville organized a congress in his memory entitled An essential flamenco singerPerhaps they understated it, because Mairena was much more than a singer of flamencoAntonio was more than just a flamenco singer; his work speaks for itself, as does his life dedicated to the art.
On the first day of the congress, the sessions began at the Rectorate, the former Tobacco Factory, on San Fernando Street. I attended along with the ever-remembered Antonio Torresa friend we miss more and more. That day he introduced me to Juan Antonio and the three of us went to lunch together at the La Raza RestaurantLooking towards Maria Luisa Park, finishing the matter over drinks, dreaming of the touch of Rafael RiqueniThen, things dragged on and on with anecdotes and jokes: the conversation of two comrades who hadn't shared anything for a long time, hadn't looked each other in the eye.
"Through these two people, Antonio Torres and Juan Antonio Muñoz, one could tell the story of what it means to believe in the dictates of Mairena. Between their experiences and knowledge, one could reach the very heart of Mairena's ideology. (...) They were two unwavering Mairena devotees who defended what they felt. Nothing more."
There I met him, and there, near the Plaza de España, I understood how much the singer from Los Alcores meant to him. Antonio Torres had known him for a long time, but they hadn't seen each other for years. Between the two of them, I received a true lesson in Mairena's style. A militant and formal Mairena's style, born of absolute conviction. It's recorded in the bibliography. My memories with Antonio Mairena, 50 years of light and magic, a book that Juan Antonio lovingly dedicated to us.
And he told us about the times he received Antonio at his home in Madrid. And about when he played the guitar for the maestro in public and things didn't go as either of them had hoped. Memories, recollections, laughter, notes from canteyes, philosophies of life…
Through these two men, Antonio Torres and Juan Antonio Muñoz, one could tell the story of what it means to believe in the teachings of Mairena. Between their experiences and their knowledge, one could reach the very heart of Mairena's ideology. Without fanfare, without trying to be better than anyone else, without needing pats on the back or to hear their own voices run wild. They were two true Mairena devotees, who defended what they felt. Nothing more.
Juan Antonio Muñoz has died, leaving his parliamentary seat empty. jondoA seat that no one else can occupy, no matter how much they might want to. He loved Antonio's art with sincerity and humility.
Antonio Torres left us far too long ago. Now, Juan Antonio. And yet the love of the new generations for the ways and customs of Mairena remains. Surely, because of people like them. ♦
