One of Spain’s most formidable improvisers of flamenco dance is set to make his Canadian debut at the Arden Theatre this coming Saturday.
El Torombo (Francisco Jose Suarez Barrera), a purist of Gypsy-style dance, has a reputation for serving up passionate, unvarnished flamenco with noble simplicity and theatrical flair.
Famed as a street flamenco artist, El Torombo grew up in a Gypsy neighbourhood in Seville and was spoon-fed flamenco dance since age seven. One of his teachers, the legendary El Farruco, also the figurehead of a Gypsy clan, nicknamed him El Torombo (whirling storm).
Now at the height of his fame, El Torombo is one of Spain’s most important representatives of traditional flamenco, a pure, authentic style that has inspired millions around the world.
Performing with him at the Arden are Fiona Malena, a local flamenco dancer dedicated to connecting Spanish artists with the Alberta community; Kiko de Alcalá, a resonant flamenco singer, and Miguel Sotelo, a versatile flamenco/pop guitarist who has performed with Cirque de Soleil and Toni Braxton.
In a unique pairing of sounds, El Torombo has also invited Chilean-born saxophonist Oliver Miguel to jazz up the evening. “He is the only saxophone player in Seville dedicated to flamenco,” says Malena, one of the event organizers along with local producer Leanne Koziak.
“Having Oliver is going to add a melodic element. He has a jazz background and he is also a responsive player and an improviser so we speak on the same page.”
Malena, who studies in Spain and flies back and forth to Canada, first spotted El Torombo three years ago in Triana, a working class area in Seville famous for its bullfighting and flamenco. At that time, El Torombo was performing outdoors with Manuela Carrasco, nicknamed Goddess of Flamenco Dance.
“Torombo captivated me. He had a vibrant energy. I remember his jacket flying up in the air. It did several spins and landed perfectly on his shoulders and he strode off stage.”
Described as a large, charismatic figure full of fun and vitality, Torombo is completely “comfortable” with the art form. “He will pull things out of the moment and will play and create rhythms and have fun.”
In flamenco, a dancer is drawn into the rhythm sharing a dialogue with the singer and guitarist. “He has a distinctive style. It is completely embedded in his character and personality. I wouldn’t be surprised if he jumps up on a chair in the middle of the show because his own personality has this inspired energy.”
Artists will perform seguiriyas, rondeñas and a martinete. “The audience will be transported and will feel what it’s like to be in a room in Spain with artists exploring through rapping, clapping, strumming, swirling and yelling.”
