Rafael Manjavacas
The best of flamenco singing and flamenco guitar-playing joined forces, both José Mercé and Tomatito have been giving concerts as top stars for decades, always following a well-organized format. Last night at the Teatro de la Axerquía, within the program of the Festival de la Guitarra de Córdoba, we were able to appreciate the essence of each one of them. The classic side of José Mercé, his martinete, soleá, siguiriya and fandango, with the first-class accompaniment of Tomatito.
We also saw the essence of Tomatito’s recital, with his son José del Tomate on second guitar and Piraña on percussion for alegrías, bulerías and rumbas. José del Tomate also had his moment of glory interpreting a zambra of his “uncle” Niño Miguel.
The Axerquía Theater, with a capacity of 3500, didn’t fill up, managing to fill about half the seats, which is a feat. And in the audience, another of the greats of flamenco guitar, Vicente Amigo, who received a dedication from the stage.
The second part of the concert was devoted to his new record “De Verdad”. José Mercé and Tomatito, now with the complete group, with the addition of Mercedes García, interpreted some of the pieces from the recording which is the title of the tour, with compositions by Kiki Cortiñas. The zambra “Lola”, a tribute to Lola Flores, the bulería “Buscando la Verdad”, the alegrías “La Salina”, tangos “Mundo de Paz” and the rumba “Jerez” that was the first single of the record.
And in the fiesta finale, there was no avoiding José Mercé’s “Aire” to finish off a great concert with “real” flamenco, the kind these two artists have always offered, and who now are are touring all Spain and on July 30th will be at Madrid’s Teatro Real.
Photos & video: MJ. Lara
