Arts Respond with Lucy Gellman: Musician Val Ramos (Forthcoming CD, Eres La Luna En Mi Cielo)

·48 min·4 clips

Musician Val Ramos returns after 24 years with a new flamenco CD, Eres La Luna en Mi Cielo, releasing March 17th.

The episode begins with host Lucy Gellman welcoming musician Val Ramos and Tere Luna to discuss Ramos's forthcoming CD, Eres La Luna en Mi Cielo, set for release on March 17th at a concert at Quinnipiac University. Ramos reveals the project has been in the works for nearly a decade, with his last CD released 24 years ago, and he received a grant from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts to support it. He describes the composition process for flamenco, which involves improvisation and adherence to specific rhythmic structures, contrasting it with classical European traditions. Ramos delves into the history of flamenco, originating in Andalusia, Spain, with influences from Arabic and Gypsy cultures dating back centuries. He shares his personal journey into flamenco, starting in seventh grade in the South Bronx through the South Bronx Community Action Theatre, where he learned from master guitarist Adonis Puerta. The discussion touches on flamenco's elements: guitar, singing, and dancing, with footwork serving as percussion. Ramos highlights collaborations on the CD, including singer Alfonso Cid and other musicians like Chris Jensen and Ashley Jones. He explains the complicated recording process, involving studios in Baltimore and Connecticut, and mixing and mastering across locations. The CD's title, meaning 'You are the moon in my sky,' is dedicated to Tere Luna, and Ramos designed the cover himself. He reflects on flamenco as an art form that encompasses all human emotions, citing Paco de Lucia's perspective. The episode explores the significance of presenting flamenco in today's cultural climate, emphasizing its diasporic roots and the role of independent musicians in the digital age. Ramos and Luna discuss self-care practices, such as meditation and yoga, to sustain their artistic work. The conversation concludes with details about the upcoming concert and thanks to supporters, including Quinnipiac University and the Connecticut arts office.

As heard by us

Val Ramos links Eres La Luna en Mi Cielo to flamenco's ensemble roles, footwork, and cross-cultural roots.

Val Ramos comes to Arts Respond with Eres La Luna en Mi Cielo, a project he says has been with him for nearly a decade and is headed toward a March 17 release concert at Quinnipiac University.

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Why you'd press play

You want a measured Arts Respond conversation with guitarist Val Ramos about flamenco rhythm, cultural blending, and his upcoming CD, Eres La Luna en Mi Cielo.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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