Tomatito hijo – Mina

52 Festival Internacional de Cante de las Minas de La Unión
August 9th, 2012 – Mina Agrupa Vicenta- La Unión (Murcia)

Special report: 52 Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas.

“TOMATITO JUNIOR” wrapped up the recitals in the Agrupa Vicenta mine.

The young guitarist of 14 offered a recital of flamenco guitar in a magical setting 80 meters below the surface of the Earth in the Agrupa Vicenta mine of La Unión. As guest of honor, the legendary Tomatito was in the audience, and he went on stage to play bulerías with his son.

The Agrupa Vicenta mina of La Unión today received a brilliant flamenco recital within the framework of the 52nd Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas, a guitar concert by the young José Fernández “Tomatito hijo”, who demonstrated that at the tender age of only 14, he has a bright and promising future ahead of him.

At the magical venue 80 meters below ground, and with an audience of 200 people, Tomatito hijo began his performance with the sole accompaniment of the occasional drops of water that fell now and then from the gallery, interpreting a taranta which was quickly received with cheers of “ole” from the audience.

The guitarist went on to play zambra, followed by other pieces with his sister, singer Mari Ángeles, Cristóbal Santiago on percussion, Moisés Santiago on second guitar and three palmeros, all of whom filled the air with great enthusiasm, causing the audience to ask for more and more.

Following this, the young musician interpreted a taranta along with his sister, who has proven to be well-prepared for singing flamenco, and even dared to interpret Joan Manuel Serrat’s “Romance de Curro el Palmo”, triggering “bravos” from all those present.

A flamenco waltz accompanied by Moisés Santiago preceded what would be the grand moment of the night, when José Fernández “Tomatito”, father of the guitarist who was among the audience, decided to join his son for bulerías, which caused a great deal of excitement and got the audience to their feet.

After the show, Tomatito said he was overcome with emotion being on such a special stage, and expressed his joy at having been able to be present at his son’s guitar recital. He said: “I try to impress upon him that flamenco is not a profession but a musical form and a way of life, and what he must do is enjoy flamenco and have a good time”. 

---