El Titi DE ALGECIRAS
Salvador Ramon Flores Loreto Montoya Heredia Cortes Arroyo de Los Reyes known as 'el Titi de Algeciras' was born in Algeciras, Spain into a gitano (gypsy) family whose tradition is flamenco. At an early age el Titi under the name of "el Gitanillo de Algeciras", tried bullfighting as a career but gave this away after being badly gored by a bull.
Originally sang under the name of "Montoyita" and later with his cousins in a group called "Los Montoyas"., Learned his art at the side of famous singers such as Antonio Mairena, who would come to fiestas in his family home. Related to the famous gypsy families of Los Montoyas, (nephew of Roque Montoya "Jarrito"), Los Chiquitetes, the Utrera Sisters, the late Cameron de la Isla and growing up with Paco de Lucia as a neighbour, the young Montoyita was offered work in the tablaos such as La Corral del la Morreria in Madrid working with such artists as dancer la Tati, Antonio el Pelau, and guitarist el Habichuela and winning awards for his singing.
He arrived in Australia in 1966 with the flamenco dance company el Sali. and after being offered a contract in Perth stayed working with the gypsy dancer La Tani.
Since then he has been the only authentic flamenco gypsy singer in Australia and in high demand by Australian flamenco artists of the calibre of Antonio Vargas, Diana Reyes and Gabriel Heredia in Sydney and Melbourne. With performances too numerous to list over his many years of performing, one of his highlights was to feature in the spectacular “Carmen” Opera put on by the Victorian State Opera in 1992 in Sydney and Melbourne. This led him to have a 12 month contract with the Melbourne Hyatt Hotel in their Tapas Bar.
Other highlights include supporting act with Julio Iglesias and the Gypsy Kings.He formed a gypsy world music group Calo' Calo' (Gypsy Gypsy) making its mark appearing in WOMADelaide. An exciting, entertaining world music group, it explores the passionate and intricate rhythms of gypsy flamenco music from the south of Spain. Fusing latin, Arabic, blues and even country and western sounds, Calo’ Calo’ incorporates a variety of instruments including flamenco and electric guitar, flute and percussion. The original songs are created by Titi and released on CD.
Since making its debut at WOMAD 2000 this popular group has made many appearances in venues around Adelaide including La Bomba latin nights and featuring in the TROPICANA Festival, at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
This multi talented artist has also made his mark as a painter under the name Salvador Loreto.
Available for performances - el Titi can be contacted on Tel. +61401 497 800 (within Australia: 0401 497 800
REVIEWS
ROMANCE FLAMENCO 2019
Showcasing the Spanish culture to local Adelaidians, Romance Flamenco is the latest production from local flamenco school Casa de Flamenco.
It is El Titi de Algeciras who steals the show with his vivacious voice and sultry sensuality. Eminent in every elongated note is raw emotion and years of lived experience, giving audiences goosebumps and sending shivers down their spines. Reviewed by Tayla Giles
ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL 2014
The Aloysius Leeson Quartet comprising of percussion, guitar, violin and double bass played for an hour, with guest performances by an incredibly passionate and talented flamenco dancer (Kristy Manuel) and an equally skilled Spanish singer, ……..They were later joined by the authentic vocals of 72 year-old gypsy flamenco stylist El Titi de Algeciras and dancer Kristy Manuel. Reviewed by Libby Parker
FRINGE 2011 PERFORMANCE -Vikingo de Jerez Flamenco Guitarist
Flamenco guitar is so much more than a style of playing. It’s roots run culturally, and it is a complete form of artistic expression. While Rowland Schultz, may not necessarily have Spanish roots, the presence of Salvador Loreto on stage was more than a mild nod of approval for the self taught guitarist. ……….. Loreto assisted in closing with an impassioned cante jondo (a deep song), with sparse backing from Schultz baying the audience to engage personally with the music. Reviewed by Ryan Winter DB Magazine
CHISPA FLAMENCA 2011
Saturday night if you had been at the Nexus Cabaret you would have been lucky enough to see an evocation of the very soul of Andalusia…….and the passion and strength of El Titi, the vocalist for the ensemble, would have got the most heartless of audience members whooping and cheering with his devastating vocal control. Simply put, El Titi spoke directly to the soul. Reviewed by Jonathan Holds
BOLERO FLAMENCO 2004 -Veronica Vargas Dance Flamenco Company
First it had the splendid El Titi de Algeciras, whose songs did more than accompany the dancing…at times they seemed to provide the reason for it.…worth going to just for the singer” Reviewed by Alan Brissenden Adelaide Review