The Anecdote – Grandma Petra
“Great Grandma Petra”
“I remember my grandmother who did some cantes de Levante without knowing where they came from, but they were a blessing, she did a cante, a guajira, without knowing anything, she sang it in tarantos: ‘Al salirme de la Habana / de nadie me despedí / solo de un perrito chino que venía tras de mí’ (When I left Havana / to no one I said goodbye / only to a little Chinese dog that came after me). You notice, it has nothing to do with mines, and it goes on: ‘Un perrito de la China / y un señor me lo compró / por un poco de dinero y zapatitos de charol / los zapatos se rompieron / y el dinero se acabó / adiós perrito del alma y también del corazón’ (A little dog from China / and a gentleman bought him / for a little money and patent leather shoes / the shoes broke / and the money ran out / goodbye little dog of the soul and also of the heart’. Well, she used to sing that in Levante, in her own way, as she pleased”.
Israel Fernandez
https://zocoflamenco.com/entrevistas/israel-fernandez-el-cante-lo-llevo-dentro-desde-nino/
“Israel Fernandez’s grandmother, Petra, had a cante that was as unique as it was authentic, capable of mixing guajiras and tarantos with a naturalness that only comes from the heart. It is that spontaneity and purity that today defines the art of Israel, who has been able to pick up this family heritage and turn it into a flamenco that respects the roots while moving towards the future.”
And from that root, from that spontaneous and pure singing, has sprouted an artist like Israel Fernández, a true genius of today’s flamenco. Israel not only carries in his voice the echo of his family, but he has managed to transform that heritage into a deep, deep art, capable of moving and connecting generations. His talent has no boundaries: he respects the great masters while writing his own lyrics, bringing a freshness that can only come from an absolute dedication to singing. Israel Fernandez is one of those artists who not only sing; they tell truths that touch the soul. He is an essential inspiration to take flamenco into the future, always respecting its roots.
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