Alejandro Toledo and the Magic Tombolinos

Full Attack Band

Alejandro Toledo at Globaltica (2012).
Background information
Origin London, England, UK
Genres Balkan
Latin
World
Years active 2008–present
Labels UKSustain
Website www.magictombolinos.co.uk
Members Alejandro Toledo, Maurizio Pala, Davide Lufrano Chaves, Michele Montolli, Marco Quarantotto

Alejandro Toledo and The Magic Tombolinos, now called Alejandro's Full Attack Band, are a multicultural five-piece band based in London, UK.[1][2] Their current line-up is Alejandro Toledo (sax, vocals), Maurizio Pala (accordion), Davide Lufrano Chaves (guitar), Michele Montolli (Double Bass), and Marco Quarantotto (drums). 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[3] as one of the current top unsigned bands in the UK, beating 3,000 other bands.[4] 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.[5]

In December 2011, the band appeared on the Rob Brydon Show's Christmas Special (BBC2) alongside guests such as Noel Fielding, Sarah Harding, Rhys Darby and Angelos Epithemiou. To coincide with this appearance, the band released a resequenced, remastered and remixed version of their debut album Full Attack, With Sudden Defenses.

Biography

Alejandro Toledo and The Magic Tombolinos was formed in London, in 2008, by the classically trained saxophonist and composer Alejandro Toledo (originally from Cordoba, Argentina), who in 2013 received a Ph.D in music performance from the University of London.

The music of the band is heavily influenced by the UK punk and rock scene, as well as Eastern European Roma and traditional music. The band brings all these influences to bear in their compositions. This musical wanderlust is further enforced by the diverse, international backgrounds of the members of the group, both past and present.

The band has toured tirelessly throughout Europe, making appearances at numerous international festivals. They are often lauded for their intense and energetic performances.

In an interview with fRoots magazine, frontman Alejandro Toledo cites 21st century music among the band's main musical spectrum. The Magic Tombolinos has mentioned Manu Chao, Fanfare Ciocarlia, The Prodigy and Astor Piazzolla as influences as well. [5]

The band's sound is characterized by lively and energetic rhythms, with virtuosic melodic passages, as well as a certain informality in their approach which allows the audience to get involved and feel close to their music.

On December 26, 2013, the ensemble's guitarist Davide Lufrano Chaves died from multiple myeloma. In tribute, the band released their second album, titled Davide Lufrano Chaves, which was made available online for free on the band's website with an optional contribution to multiple myeloma research.

Television

Discography

Music festivals

Alejandro Toledo and The Magic Tombolinos festival appearances have included:

References

  1. ↑ Boreham, Gina (2008-02-05). "The Magic Tombolinos". The Vortex Jazz Club. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
  2. ↑ "Balkan gypsy musicians come to Stroud's music centre". BBC News. 2010-02-22. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
  3. ↑ "The Magic Tombolinos". Evo Music Rooms. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
  4. ↑ McKeown, Rory (2010-04-10). "Mercury Marvels: Musician Hayden to appear on Channel 4 show". This is The West Country. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Stoke Newington superband set for the top". Hackney Gazette. 2010-03-06. Retrieved 2010-06-09.

External links