184. Juan Luis Cano de Gomaespuma, coleccionista de flamenco

Juan Luis Cano is a journalist, writer, and famous on radio and television for his comedy duo "Gomaespuma," but it's his passion for flamenco collecting that will truly surprise you. In the Collector's Podcast, we speak with Juan Luis Cano, one half of the comedy duo Gomaespuma, for whom flamenco music is not just a genre, but a legacy woven with familiar notes and rhythms. His grandfather played songs by Marchena on the guitar, and his mother loved copla. Thus, from a young age, Juan Luis cultivated his ear, exploring and delving into this deeply rooted and familiar art form. Among his favorite flamenco singers, he expresses great respect for figures like Enrique Morente, a flamenco virtuoso who both performs and researches the genre's roots, pushing it forward. He also admires legends such as Paco de Lucía, Manolo Sanlúcar, Camarón, La Niña de los Peines, Carmen Linares, and Antonio Chacón, recognizing the richness of a constantly evolving and ever-popular genre. Flamenco, Juan Luis tells us, has its roots in the 18th century and has since evolved in the most surprising ways. A prime example is the modernity of contemporary flamenco, where artists like Paco de Lucía incorporated jazz harmonies into the flamenco guitar. This fusion has deep roots, a journey that began in Andalusia and returned enriched by Latin America with Afro-American and Caribbean rhythms, providing a unique cultural experience. In his collection, Juan Luis treasures guitar recordings, such as those by Diego del Gastor. His passion for music is reflected in an impressive collection that once numbered over 2,000 records, compared to the current 500, which include everything from shellac records to vinyl, cassettes, and especially CDs. Even so, he tells us that flamenco is best enjoyed live, in performances. Juan Luis still uses his trusty old iPod, on which he always carries his entire discography. While the live experience of traditional flamenco songs deeply moves him, it's always a good time to enjoy the contributions of Morente, Paco de Lucía's "Siroco," and Manolo Sanlúcar's "Tauromagia." Besides being passionate about flamenco clubs, Juan Luis emphasizes the importance of image, popularity, and promotion of this art form. He believes it's essential to dignify flamenco professionals. We also reminisce with Juan Luis about his childhood, life, and playing in the streets when Carabanchel, his traditional neighborhood, was full of open fields. We recall the days of Gomaespuma, the popular radio and television program he co-hosted with Guillermo Fesser. He expresses his gratitude for the affection shown by his audience and champions the unique connection that radio creates because it reaches the heart. Of course, we also discuss his work as a writer. A constant pursuit, as he writes daily. His library, filled with flamenco books and Atlético de Madrid jerseys, testifies to his love of culture. His latest work, "Yo fui santa" (I Was a Saint), was a finalist for the Ateneo de Valladolid prize. He not only dedicates himself to music and literature, but also carries out social work through the Gomaespuma Foundation. Together with Guillermo Fesser, Juan Luis promotes educational and cultural projects in disadvantaged communities around the world. The Gomaespuma Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope and positive change, bringing culture and education to underserved areas in Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, Senegal, and now also in Spain with an ambitious emotional education project. A legacy that goes beyond music, transcending borders and connecting hearts through passion and solidarity. With upcoming projects and a thought-provoking tip for collectors, this episode of the podcast we bring you from todocoleccion comes to a close. We welcome your likes, opinions, comments, and suggestions for interviewing new figures who, like you, help us promote collecting culture. Send your suggestions to [email protected].