Manuel Soto 'Sordera de Jerez' ‘La elegancia del duende’

[Signatura ediciones – 2005]

In 2001, Manuel Soto «Sordera de Jerez», flamenco singer
and patriarch of one of the most important families that make up the flamenco
landscape of Jerez, passed away. José María Castaño,
director of the University of Cádiz flamenco program and coordinator
since 1992 of the radio program «Los Caminos del Cante», has
written the biography of his much-admired friend.

Photo from book: «Sordera de Jerez»
with sons Enrique, Bo and Vicente

Unlike the typical biography with a series of dates and stories, the
book provides a perspective of Jerez cante and the Santiago neighborhood
through the wise eyes of Manuel Soto, and includes detailed commentary
about several specific styles of cante associated with this ambience.
Alternating the author’s comments with direct quotes from the singer,
the reader gets a three-dimensional picture of the hardscrabble flamenco
life of Jerez in the fields, taverns, tablaos, roadside inns and café
cantantes of the era, all backed up by impeccable documentation.

José María Castaño

The book’s presentation last month in Jerez during the Festival
de Jerez was attended by such stars as José Mercé, Macanita,
Paco Cepero, Moraíto and Fernando de la Morena among others, in
addition to various artists from the family of Manuel Soto «Sordera».
The author lovingly recalled how he had once heard the singer’s
voice and asked his grandfather «how come that man cries when he
sings?» This type of personal detail gives an idea of the texture
and quality of a book that all serious cante fans will find of great interest.

There is an extensive genealogical study of the singer’s family
tree showing his descent from legendary figures, as well as his family
ties with such current stars as José Mercé. Also included
is a prologue by writer, poet and noted flamencologist José Manuel
Caballero Bonald.

Text: Estela Zatania