We arrived at The Tomate Blues festival as it celebrated its eleventh edition with a great lineup of blues bands and artists, attracting a large and enthusiastic crowd to the Parque de las Marismas. The stage was looking great and we went and bought our tickets for the bar at same price you pay for cervezas at your local bar. As usual at Spanish festivals it’s very mañana. The festival, which combines blues music with the local gastronomy of tomato-based dishes, offered a full evening of music for the fans of the blues and roots genre.
So, first band is supposed be on at six but they’ve been sound checking and it is now 6.30 start for the first band JOHN DUER & THE BLUES FREAKS.A blues band based in Toledo, Spain. John origally from Texas played some old style blues of the American South with an updated feel, what the band likes to call “the new old blues as well as showing off his Spanish language skills. John really warmed the audience up and left them wanting more. shame they had some issues with sound engineering but carried on like the professionals that they are. A band that delivered a powerful and energetic performance of classic blues, as well as some original songs. The band showed their skills and passion on stage.
Next, from Seville THE DONELLES took over the stage with their fresh and fun style of blues, soul and funk with a jumping version of Hound Dog. The Donelle's are like a modern-day version of the Andrew sisters with Latin, soul, Motown, they were like a breath of fresh air at a blues festival which is not a criticism as much as I love blues it was a welcome change. The female quartet charmed the crowd with their harmonious vocals, catchy melodies and groovy rhythms as well as some covers of artists like Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Amy Winehouse.
The evening continued with MINGO SANPA & BAREZ BROS. looking very sharp on stage. The trio blended blues, in a unique and original way. The band showcased their talent and versatility with Mingo on lead vocals and harmonica and who is for me the Kim Wilson of Spanish blues Sanpa on guitar, and the brothers Sergio and Pablo Bárez, bass and drums respectively, form a solid and experienced rhythmic base creating a rich and diverse sound that captivated the listeners. Always a pleasure seeing the band playing live.
The headline of the festival was the VARGAS BLUES BAND, one of the most renowned and respected blues bands in Spain and abroad. The band, led by the legendary guitarist Javier Vargas, performed a selection of songs from their extensive discography, as well as some new material from their upcoming album. The band displayed their mastery and experience on stage, delivering a flawless and impressive performance of blues, rock, Latin and fusion. The band also interacted with the audience, making them feel part of the show. Vargus came back on for an encore with a Man on the Run and Blues Locale.
The festival closed with Portugals DELTA BLUES RIDERS who were the standout band for me. I love seeing youngsters playing the blues, and paying tribute to the roots and origins of blues music. The band played versions of songs by blues pioneers like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Son House as well as some original songs. Drifter was the standout song for me. Paulo Veloso on resonator guitar, harmonica and piano. Miss Suzy on bass, Eduardo Sinatra on drums and Alexandre Almeida on lead guitar. The band created an intimate and authentic atmosphere that transported the audience to the Mississippi Delta.
The Tomate Blues festival was a success in terms of organization, attendance and quality just a pity with sound engineering going on and off plus the mics dropping out but the bands stayed professional and the audience were very forgiving. The festival proved that Los Palacios y Villafranca is a reference for blues music in Spain, and that the Tomate Blues is a go to event for any blues lover.
