Tomatito facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tomatito
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Tomatito in Alhóndiga de Granaditas in 2016
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | José Fernández Torres |
| Also known as | Tomatito |
| Born | August 20, 1958 |
| Origin | Fondón, Almería |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Instruments | Flamenco guitar |
| Years active | 1980s-present |
| Associated acts |
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José Fernández Torres (born in Fondón, Spain, in 1958), is a famous Spanish flamenco guitarist and composer. He is known by his stage name, Tomatito. Tomatito started his music journey playing alongside the legendary flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla. He has released many albums, both on his own and with other artists. Two of his solo albums have even won Latin Grammy Awards!
Contents
Tomatito's Musical Journey
Early Life and Discoveries
José Fernández Torres grew up in a family full of musicians. His uncles, Niño Miguel and Antonio, were both guitar players. Niño Miguel was a flamenco guitarist, and Antonio was a professional guitarist. This musical background helped Tomatito develop his skills.
Tomatito started playing in clubs in a region of Spain called Andalucía. He became a flamenco star when another famous guitarist, Paco de Lucía, discovered him. This was a big moment for his career.
Playing with Camarón de la Isla
Tomatito played with the legendary flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla for twenty years. Together with Paco de Lucía and Camarón, he recorded four albums. In 1979, they had a big hit song called "La Leyenda del Tiempo".
Their album Paris 87 won a Latin Grammy for best flamenco album in the year 2000. Tomatito and Camarón continued to work together until Camarón passed away in 1992.
Later Career and New Sounds
Tomatito's music mixes traditional flamenco with jazz music. On some of his albums, like Barrio Negro, he tried out new sounds. These included music styles from Afro-Cuban and Brazilian Music.
He has also worked with other flamenco singers like Duquende and Potito. He also played with pianists such as Chano Domínguez. A special partnership with pianist Michel Camilo led to two albums: Spain (released in 2000) and Spain Again (released in 2006). The album Spain also won a Latin Grammy.
Tomatito has released six solo albums. His album Aguadulce (from 2005) won a Latin Grammy for best flamenco album. In 2010, he won his second solo Latin Grammy for his album Sonanta Suite.
His music for the movie Vengo, directed by Tony Gatlif, won an award. It received the César Award for Best Music Written for a Film in 2001. In March 2019, he was honored with the Premio Flamenco Radio award from Canal Sur.
Musical Style and Instruments
Tomatito adds elements of jazz to his flamenco style. He believes both music styles "emerged as a response to discrimination, a cry of suffering, or the joy of liberation." He often improvises, meaning he makes up half of what he plays on the spot.
He frequently uses a musical scale called the Phrygian mode. His favorite way to tune his guitar strings is D, A, D, G, B♭, D. Tomatito plays guitars made by Manuel Reyes. He also uses and supports guitar strings made by Savarez.
Tomatito's 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
With Camarón de la Isla and Paco de Lucía
- 1981: "Como El Agua"
- 1983: "Calle Real"
- 1984: "Vivire"
- 1992: "Potro de Rabia y Miel"
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
