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Richard Jernigan -> Tomatito in Austin last night (Mar. 6 2014 21:20:15)
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Given the choice between a modern style stage show and a tablao, I would probably pick the tablao. Given a choice between either and a peña with one good guitarist and one good cantaor, I would pick the peña.
But last night Tomatito and his sextet blew the roof off the Paramount theater in downtown Austin, and blew me away with it. Everybody in the group was really great, singers, percussionist and 2nd and 3rd guitars. Of course, Tomatito was outstanding in his ultramodern originality.
But for me the highlight of the show was the dancer Paloma Fantova. She appeared only twice. After Tomatito opened the show with a solo rondeña, she danced a brief finale to an alegrias taken at warp speed, with Tomatito´s characteristic violent syncopation and avant-garde harmony. She electrified the place, but disappeared until the final number.
It was a very fast soleá, danced almost as alegrias, with long stretches of solo zapateo, the instruments silent. Her virtuoso footwork, fiery speed and brilliance in fluid and graceful body, arms and hands, brought the audience to its feet, roaring with acclaim.
It has been decades since a dancer brought tears to my eyes. I swear she reminded me of Carmen Amaya, whom I saw in her last New York performances in 1962.
RNJ
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