José Mercé

José Mercé. The living legend of Flamenco. The artist is backed by a major artistic career that began in 1968. Now with 19 albums released, he continues to churn out hits in 2022. ‘El Oripandó’ is his latest successful album that he is touring with all across Spain. José has been honoured with major recognitions during his career, including his diamond record for sales of more than 1 million copies, the Medal of Andalusia in 2019, and an Ondas Award for Flamenco Work (2000). He is a member of the San Dionisio Royal Academy of Science, Art, and Literature. He received the prestigious award Taranto de Oro –  2016 Compás del Cante Cruzcampo Foundation –  and the 2020 Odeón Award for Best Flamenco Artist.

José Mercé’s new album is the result of long and intense conceptualisation, song-writing, and production work together with Antonio Orozco. In it, the Barcelona-based musician has distilled two-and-a-half years of conversations and confidences with the Cadiz-native singer and his family. It is work with a marked biographical character that brings that intimate dialogue to whoever is listening. It is life itself, with its ups and downs, encapsulated in eight songs with unequivocal flamenco undertones that break formal barriers of genre and sound. It also offers a musical journey from darkness to dawn –this being the meaning of “Oripandó” in the Caló language– and concludes with an open ending –’Alegría’– that invites us to continue along the path, taking the best from the often inexplicable and terrifying miracle that is existence. ‘Oripandó’ is another demonstration of José Mercé’s attitude. He is a curious musician who prefers to continue learning instead of taking refuge in his indisputable icon status. A tremendous singer who, as we’ve said at the beginning, can allow himself to address challenges like this one because he loves and understands his craft.

DISCOGRAPHY: (1968) Cultura jonda XIV. Bandera de Andalucía; (1983) Verde junco; (1987) Caminos reales del cante; (1991) Hondas raíces; (1994) Desnudando el alma; (1998) Del amanecer; (2000) Aire; (2002) Lio; (2004) Confí de fuá; (2006) Lo que no se da; (2007) Grandes éxitos; (2010) Ruido; (2012) Mi única llave; (2016) Doy la cara; (2018) De Verdad; (2022) El Oripando.