BMG will release the first recordings of Flamenco icon Paco de Lucía

BMG announced on Monday (February 26) an exclusive recording deal with the estate of the iconic Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia. In collaboration with the Paco de Lucía Foundation, BMG is about to release Pepito y Paquitoan album featuring 21 unreleased tracks by Paco de Lucía and his brother Pepe, in May 2024.

“We are delighted that these very special recordings, completely unknown until now, will finally be released with BMG on such a special date as the 10th anniversary of Paco de Lucía's passing,” representatives of Paco de Lucía's Estate said in a statement. “These recordings are an excellent document that reflect the first steps in the careers of Paco de Lucía and Pepe de Lucía and are already part of flamenco history.”

According to a press release issued by BMG, the recordings – dating from 1959 and 1960 – give flamenco fans an insight into the “early musical efforts” of Pepe and Paco at the ages of 13 and 11, respectively. . AI was used to help restore recordings from a vintage Grundig TK46 tape recorder.

“I never thought these recordings would ever see the light of day, but thanks to the tireless work of the team that was part of this process, the tapes have finally been restored and are ready for release,” added Pepe. “When I listened to the tapes again, more than 60 years after they were originally recorded, I couldn't believe that those guys were my brother Paco and me. It's a wonderful recording that brings back fond memories of the happiest time of our lives and serves as a fitting finale to our career.”

“It was a privilege to work hand-in-hand with Pepe de Lucía and the Paco de Lucía Foundation for more than a year to document, restore and finally publish these tapes that show the genius of these two brothers who changed the history of music. in Spain and around the world,” he said Javier Doriadirector of BMG A&R Spain.

The deal comes on the heels of the Paco de Lucía Legacy festival, which took place in New York from February 20 to 24 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Paco de Lucía's death. A historical figure of flamenco and a key figure in the globalization of the music, Paco de Lucía was honored by more than 30 flamenco artists at the four-day event.