'South of Freedom' by José Mijita, available on digital platforms

Articles Related

José Mijita 'South of Freedom' is claimed

South of Freedom is the title of the new album by Jose Carpio Fernandez 'Mijita'In this project, which is also brought to the stage, the singer from Jerez goes through his life history based on the sound experiences of his childhood that largely flourish in his own home, that of the popular Federico Mayo neighborhoodThis extension of the La Plazuela neighborhood, in the south of the city, has been the space where José has heard what he can now express in his own voice.

For this reason, he launches into a new repertoire in which stops at details, memories, people, smells or flavors that take him back to that time. Thus, he turns to other compositions he heard in that decade of the 80s and 90s and in which the purity of his home was mixed with the new musical airs of the flamenco.

Freedom is a concept that accompanies this work. José Mijita, while remaining committed to his origins, has been able to soak up the most groundbreaking sounds that were once the hallmark of the soundtrack of his life.

From tenements to blocks

This reflection is a perfect introduction to this project, which began as an album but also aims to be a spectacle. It is based on the idea that, today, the much-discussed historic neighborhoods flamencoJerez's are the result of a certain romanticism. Back in the middle of the last century, urban development displaced many families from the cante to the neighborhoods on the outskirts. In some of them, with greater or lesser emphasis, microclimates were formed flamencos where artists who are now around forty years old acquired their experiences. These are cases known as the Assumption, San Benito and San Juan de Dios Industrial Estate or Federico Mayo, the latter an enclave popularly known as El ChicleThese artists did not lose contact with the Santiago or San Miguel neighborhoods where their families were from, especially through the peñas flamencos. However, their daily lives had more to do with these neighborhoods. An aspect that substantially shifts the center of gravity of the expression and, for various reasons, has not been addressed in serious work until now.

Credits for the album 'South of Freedom'

1. South of Freedom (martinet and gypsy corrido). With Ricardo Piñero on bass. Lyrics: José María Castaño.
2. Defeated and desperate (taranto and cartagenera). With Domingo Rubichi on guitar. Lyrics: José María Castaño.
3. My memory of Los Chichos (Brown-skinned Gypsies). With Fernando Carrasco on guitar. Palmas and rhythm: Carlos Grilo and Diego Montoya. Percussion: Carlos Merino. Backing vocals: Samara Carrasco and Malena Carpio.
4. I grew up in the Plazuela (soleá). With Domingo Rubichi on guitar. Lyrics: José María Castaño.
5. The light that guides me (tangos). With Fernando Carrasco on guitar. Lyrics: Juan Garrido. Palmas and rhythm: Carlos Grilo and Diego Montoya. Percussion: Carlos Merino. Backing vocals: Samara Carrasco and Malena Carpio.
6. Undivé (siguiriya). With Domingo Rubichi on guitar. Lyrics: Antonio Gallardo Monje.
7. From Mijita and Martinez (fandango). Lyrics: Antonio Gallardo Monje. Knuckles and rhythm: Carlos Grilo and Diego Montoya.
8. Maria Castaña (bulería). With guitar by Pepe del Morao. Lyrics: Antonio Gallardo Monje. Palmas and rhythm: Carlos Grilo and Diego Montoya. Percussion: Carlos Merino.

Recording, mixing and mastering at La Azotea Studio in Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz) by José Ramón Salazar.

Cover design: Pedro Carabante

Photographs: Nano Hernández

CD Design: Gonzalo López