Alejandro Toledo and the Magic Tombolinos
Alejandro Toledo and the Magic Tombolinos (ATMT) is a multicultural 5-piece band based in London, UK. Its current line-up is Alejandro Toledo (Sax, Vocals), Nuno Brito (Drums), Maurizio Pala (Accordion), Davide Lufrano-Chavez (Guitar), and Michele Montolli (Double Bass). They are known for their energetic and extravagant performances and their fusion of music genres. The music combines elements of Balkan folk with Western mainstream music, fusing classical music and rock culture, punk and other world music styles.
In 2010, the band was selected by the Fiat Evo Music Rooms competition as one of the current top unsigned bands in the UK, beating 3,000 other bands. They then went on to make a live appearance on Channel 4's Evo Music Rooms programme hosted by Edith Bowman along with bands Faithless and Audio Bullys.
Biography
ATMT was formed in 2008 by classically-trained saxophonist and composer Alejandro Toledo. Heavily influenced by the UK rock scene and Eastern European Roma and traditional music, the band synthesizes a collective of various MusicAL sounds including those brought by their international backgrounds.
The band has toured tirelessly throughout Europe, making appearances at numerous international festivals.
In an interview with fRoots magazine, frontman Alejandro Toledo cites 21st century music among the band's main musical spectrum. ATMT has mentioned Manu Chao, Fanfare Ciocarlia, The Prodigy and Astor Piazzolla as influences as well.
The band's sound is mostly characterized by lively and energetic rhythms with virtuosic melodic passages, as well as a distinct informality which allows the audience to get involved and feel close to their music. Mixed music genres are present throughout their tracks.
Appearances
Music festivals
Alejandro Toledo and the Magic Tombolinos Festival appearances have included:
- Musicport World Music Festival on October 23rd, 2010
- Solfest Festival on August 29, 2010
- Shambala Festival on August 28, 2010
- Boom Festival (Portugal) on August 20, 2010
- Big Chill Festival on August 6, 2010
- Camp Bestival on August 1, 2010
- Cardiff Big Weekend on July 31, 2010
- Secret Garden Festival on July 26, 2010
- Trowbridge Village Pump Festival on July 24, 2010
- Colours of Ostrava (Czech Republic) on July 17, 2010
- United Islands Festival (Czech Republic) on June 26, 2010
- Bestival on September 10, 2009
- Streatham Festival on September 9, 2009
- Neuchatel (Switzerland) Festival on August 10, 2009
- Croydon Festival on August 1, 2009
- Ealing Festival on July 26, 2009
- Glastonbury Festival on June 24, 2009
- Paradise Garden Festival on June 20, 2009
- Trondheim World music festival (Norway) on September 20, 2008
- Bern Strassenmusik festival (Switzerland) on August 12, 2008
- Pflasterspektakel (Austria) on July 22, 2008