BMG signs deal to release earliest recordings of Pepe and Paco de Lucia

26 February 2024 - Press release

BMG SIGNS DEAL TO RELEASE EARLIEST RECORDINGS OF PEPE AND PACO DE LUCÍA

AI tools help restore historic flamenco recordings from vintage tape recorder

BMG is pleased to announce an exclusive recordings agreement with the estate of legendary Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía. In collaboration with the Paco de Lucía Foundation, BMG will release Pepito y Paquito, an album featuring 21 previously unreleased tracks by the young Pepe and his brother Paco de Lucía, in May 2024.

Representatives of Paco de Lucía's Estate said: “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 departure. These recordings are an extraordinary document that reflects the first steps in the career of Paco de Lucía and Pepe de Lucía, and they are already part of the history of flamenco.”

Pepe de Lucía said: “I never thought these recordings would ever see the light of day, but thanks to the tireless work of the team that has been part of this process, the tapes have finally been restored and are ready to be released. When I listened to the tapes again, more than 60 years after their original recording, I couldn't believe that those children were my brother Paco and me. It is a wonderful recording that brings back fond memories of the happiest time of our lives and serves as a fitting finale to our careers.”

Javier Doria, BMG Director A&R Spain, said: “It has been 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 showcase the genius of these two brothers who changed the history of music in Spain and around the world.”

Dating back to 1959 and 1960, the recordings provide a unique insight into the early musical endeavors of Pepe and Paco at the ages of 13 and 11, respectively. This album is a historic discovery for Spanish cultural heritage and flamenco enthusiasts, with AI tools used to meticulously restore the songs originally recorded on a Grundig TK46 tape recorder.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Paco de Lucía's death, a grand premiere took place during the Paco de Lucía Legacy Festival in New York from February 20-24.

GRAMMY-nominated and 4x Latin GRAMMY-winning Paco de Lucía has left an indelible mark on the world of flamenco guitar, transcending the boundaries of the genre. Throughout his career, Paco de Lucía collaborated with musicians such as guitarist Carlos Santana, pianist Chick Corea, and guitarist Al Di Meola. In the 1970s, he forged a significant musical alliance with singer Camarón de la Isla, who is widely credited with catalyzing the emergence of the New Flamenco movement. In their book Guitar: Music, History, Players, Richard Chapman and Eric Clapton aptly describe de Lucía as a "titanic figure in the world of flamenco guitar," highlighting his substantial contributions to the evolution of guitar music. 

In 2023, BMG released Paco De Lucía: The Montreux Years, a collection of Paco De Lucía’s finest live performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival between 1984 and 2012.