Tomatito

On 30 May 2026 Tomatito appears at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht. The Andalusian guitarist, born José Fernández Torres (1958) into a Gitano (Romani) family in Almería, grew up with the compás of his neighbourhood (the flamenco rhythmic cycle) and learned his craft in the tablaos (flamenco venues). In 1970s Madrid he became the regular partner of Camarón de la Isla, a period in which flamenco opened up to outside influences. At the same time he developed a solo career with albums such as Rosas del amor, Barrio negro, Guitarra gitana, Paseo de los castaños and Aguadulce. His playing links traditional palos (flamenco styles) and rhythms with expanded harmonies and a natural dialogue with Latin jazz.

He continued that conversation with pianist Michel Camilo on Spain, Spain Again and Spain Forever, where flamenco blends with jazz and Caribbean colours. Live, Tomatito builds his set around the heartbeat pulse of the compás, melodies that leave room for breath and phrasing, and moments of improvisation. The programme touches on his solo repertoire and on the cross-pollinations that have shaped his path, rooted in cante jondo (deep flamenco singing) and focused on the here and now.