Tomatito facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tomatito
|
|
|---|---|
Tomatito in Alhóndiga de Granaditas in 2016
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | José Fernández Torres |
| Also known as | Tomatito |
| Born | August 20, 1958 |
| Origin | Fondón, Almería |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments | Flamenco guitar |
| Years active | 1980s-present |
| Associated acts |
|
José Fernández Torres, known as Tomatito, was born in Fondón, Spain, in 1958. He is a famous Spanish flamenco guitarist and composer. Tomatito started his career playing with the legendary flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla. He has released many albums, both on his own and with other musicians. Two of his solo albums have even won Latin Grammy Awards!
Contents
About Tomatito's Life
His Early Days and Camarón de la Isla
Tomatito grew up in a family full of music. His uncles, Niño Miguel and Antonio, were both guitar players. Niño Miguel played flamenco, and Antonio was a professional guitarist.
Tomatito played in clubs in Andalucía, a region in Spain. He became a flamenco star when the famous guitarist Paco de Lucía discovered him. Tomatito then played with the legendary flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla for 20 years.
With Paco and Camarón, Tomatito recorded four albums. They had a big hit song in 1979 called "La Leyenda del Tiempo." Their album Paris 87 won a Latin Grammy for best flamenco album in 2000. Tomatito and Camarón continued to work together until Camarón passed away in 1992.
His Career Later On
Tomatito's music mixes traditional flamenco with jazz. On some albums, like Barrio Negro, he tried out Afro-Cuban music and Brazilian music styles. He has also worked with other flamenco singers like Duquende and Potito. He also played with the pianist Chano Domínguez.
Tomatito worked with pianist Michel Camilo. They made two albums together: Spain (2000) and Spain Again (2006). The album Spain won a Latin Grammy.
Tomatito has released six solo albums. His 2005 album Aguadulce won a Latin Grammy for best flamenco album. In 2010, he won his second solo Latin Grammy for Sonanta Suite.
He also created music for the film Vengo. This music won the César Award for Best Music Written for a Film in 2001. On March 11, 2019, Tomatito received an award from Premio Flamenco Radio of Canal Sur.
Tomatito's Music Style
Tomatito adds parts of jazz to his flamenco style. He says both jazz and flamenco "came from people facing unfair treatment." He also says they were "a cry of pain, or the joy of being free." About half of what he plays is made up on the spot. He often uses the Phrygian mode in his music. His favorite way to tune his guitar strings is D, A, D, G, B♭, D.
He plays guitars made by Manuel Reyes. He also uses and supports strings made by Savarez.
Tomatito's Music Albums
Solo Albums
- 1987: Rosas del Amor
- 1991: Barrio Negro
- 1997: Guitarra Gitana
- 2000: Spain (with Michel Camilo)
- 2001: Paseo de los Castaños
- 2004: Aguadulce
- 2006: Spain Again (with Michel Camilo)
- 2008: Pansequito
- 2010: Sonanta Suite (with Josep Pons and the Orquesta Nacional de España)
- 2013: Soy Flamenco
- 2016: Spain Forever (with Michel Camilo)
- 2019: Rodrigo: Concierto De Aranjuez
Singles
- 2012: "Mi Santa" Ft Romeo
Albums with Camarón de la Isla and Paco de Lucía
- 1981: "Como El Agua"
- 1983: "Calle Real"
- 1984: "Vivire"
- 1992: "Potro de Rabia y Miel"
Albums with Camarón de la Isla
- 1979: "La Leyenda del Tiempo"
- 1986: "Te lo Dice Camarón"
- 1987: "Flamenco Vivo"
- 1989: "Soy Gitano"
- 1994: "Camarón Nuestro"
- 1999: Paris 1987
See also
In Spanish: Tomatito para niños
