Manolo de Badajoz
Who is Manolo de Badajoz?
Manuel Álvarez Soruve, known as Manolo de Badajoz, was born in Badajoz in 1892. He trained in the footsteps of Javier Molina and Ramón Montoya, two of the leading figures of his generation, from whom he learned a flamenco guitar technique he cultivated with exceptional dedication throughout his life.
Career
He became a much sought-after accompanist and made a great many recordings with the most eminent cantaores of his time, among them La Niña de los Peines, Juan Varea, el Gloria, Manolo Caracol, Niña de la Puebla, José Cepero, Palanca, el Niño del Museo, Bernardo de los Lobitos, Niño Isidro and his fellow townsman Pepe el Molinero — a list that gives a sense of his constant presence in the flamenco of his era. He developed a passionate style, always focused on giving lively, spirited support to the singer he was accompanying, a quality that goes a long way toward explaining how sought-after his guitar was.
Style and discography
His career was, moreover, a true family saga: his brothers Pepe de Badajoz (1896-1970) and Ernesto de Badajoz (1902-1972) were also guitarists, as was his son Justo Álvarez Fernández, known as Justo de Badajoz, born in 1921, who would go on to accompany masters such as Jacinto Almadén. That family continuity made the Badajoz name a benchmark in flamenco guitar accompaniment for much of the 20th century.
Legacy
He died in Madrid in 1962. His story and that of his family were revived in 2008 by Manuel Iglesias in the book “La barbería de la Sonanta,” which traces the life and work of Manolo de Badajoz and includes a compilation album of his recordings, paying tribute to the Badajoz family’s contribution to flamenco.