How the (Afro-Peruvian) cajón entered (Spanish) flamenco - part 1 of 2

If you are either a flamenco aficionado or a cajón enthusiast, here's a story that you will enjoy.

I consider myself fortunate to have a friend, Lalo izquierdo, who is a master of the Afro-Peruvian cajón (or, if you will, the Peruvian cajón)., a percussion instruments that you see in almost every Afro-Peruvian performance, in much of Latin jazz, in other styles of jazz and in modern flamenco.

Lalo is a percussionist, a dancer, a choreographer and a folklorist of his Afro-Peruvian community.  He lives in Lima, but has spent many months in the United States.  I have seen – and filmed – him in both places.

Lalo Izquierdo with a quijada de burro

Once, he told me a story about how the Afro-Peruvian cajón became incorporated into flamenco.  He said that he along with others, including Caitro Soto, were enjoying themselves in an after-performance party for Paco de Lucía, a seminal flamenco guitarist then on tour in Peru.  Lao, Caitro Soto and others started playing the cajón and Paco de Lucía came over.

Lao Izquierdo playing the cajón

Paco was very, very interested.  He wanted to know more about the instrument and its capacities.  At some point, Caitro Soto offered him one, and he accepted.  Later, he purchased another one.

And that's how the (Afro-Peruvian) cajón entered (Spanish) flamenco.

(Don't forget to read part 2!)

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Author Eve A. Ma, who dances flamenco, is the producer/director of two documentaries about Afro-Peruvian music and dance.   Lalo Izquierdo appears in both;  here's a LINK to one of them.   

Keep up with Ma's work:  http://PalominoPro-signup.com

NOTE:  this article first appeared in the on-line magazine, www.SomosPrimos.com.  It is reprinted here with permission.