Los Moneos

The brothers Manuel Moneo, Juan Moneo ('El Torta') and Luis Moneo make up the core of this gypsy flamenco dynasty from the Barrio La Plazuela in Jerez. The Moneos are the grand masters of the cante. Their sense of compás (rhythm) is unique and unsurpassed. They sparkle in a contagious feast of bulerías, after which they switch to more profound malagueñas, tientos tangos, seguiriya and soleá. Always with the right delivery and a true feel for the specific character of each type of cante jondo. Guitarist Juan Manuel Moneo is the son of Luis Moneo. He immerses himself in the Jerez style, displaying a virtuoso technique and above all intense feeling. Star dancer of the family is Maria Jose Franco. She was apprenticed to Angelito Gomez and Manolo Marin. Later, she perfected her skills with great figures like Carmen Cortés, Matilde Coral, El Guïto, Manolete, La Yerbabuena, Antonio Canales and Mario Maya. Her intensive schooling was rewarded with a number of prestigious prizes at festivals in Murcia, Nîmes and Seville. She won a place at the Compañia Andaluza de Danza. Under the direction of Jose Antonio she quickly became the company's soloist. With her own company she features on the programmes of numerous big flamenco festivals.