Guitarras de Baile is the third volume by guitarists Edgar Cruz and Ruben Romero in a series they call Greatest Hits of Latin Guitar. Their first two CDs were recorded with just two guitars but this new edition adds percussion (Joseph Martinez) and bass (Edgar) and gives the project more of a dance feel. Songs include...Mambo Jambo, Begin the Beguine, Guantanamera, Copacabana, Frenesi, Estrellita, Piel Canela, Entre Dos Aguas, Quizas, Quizas, Quizas, three originals...Samba de Familia (Cruz), Ruben’s Rhumba and Cancion del Novidades (Romero). “These are songs both Ruben and I grew up listening to. It was are pleasure to add some southwest flair to these selections.”
Edgar Cruz
Edgar Cruz - Biography July 2006
Dubbed Oklahoma’s Best Performing Artist/Acoustic Guitarist for five years according to the Oklahoma Gazette, Edgar Cruz gives over 200 live performances a year, mesmerizing audiences from coast to coast and internationally. Over ten years he’s been an honored headliner at the annual Chet Atkins Festival in Nashville. He’s also been featured frequently on ABC, NBC, CBS, cable stations and PBS-affiliate television. The latter aired a documentary about his life and career in 2004 on the series “Gallery.”
Mr. Cruz is the recipient of many industry awards. Cruz offers an incredible live repertoire of over 400 titles. Malagueña, Bohemian Rhapsody, In the Mood, Dueling Banjos, Hotel California and Medleys On the Fly are just a few examples. An accomplished solo artist, Mr. Cruz also engages in collaborations with other industry luminaries, orchestras and Flamenco dance troupes.
His fifteen recordings and 2 DVDs reflect the versatility and complexity with which his unique skill delivers an array of genres, from Latin to Classical, and Rock to Jazz. Edgar Cruz is a master technician whose abilities on one instrument have been compared to the sound delivered by an entire symphony orchestra. Edgar is currently available for a wide variety of bookings including Concerts, Festivals, Weddings, Receptions, Banquets, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Schools, Churches, Conventions, Fiestas, Memorials, Masterclasses, Lessons, Restuarants or any special occasion.
Edgar Cruz Inc.,
PO Box 720565
Oklahoma City, OK 73172-0565
405-773-3427 Phone
405-620-1882 Cell
405-919-6784 Assistant - Julie Larcher
www.edgarcruz.com
edgarcruz@aol.com
Discography:
Guitarras de Baile (with Ruben Romero) (2006)
Sweet Georgia Blue (with David B. Hooten) (2005)
Guitarras de Fuego (with Ruben Romero) (2004)
Guitarras de Amor (with Ruben Romero) (2003)
The Cruz Trio in Concert (2003)
The Essence of Mexico (with The Cruz Trio) (2003)
Opening Night 2 (2002)
Timeless (with David B. Hooten) (2000)
Spanish Blood (2000, Remastered in 2005)
Reminiscence (1998)
The A.R.T. of Edgar Cruz (1996)
Opening Night (1995)
Those Were the Days (1992)
Classical Demands (1990)
Throw Another Tape on the Fire (1989)
DVD...
Arranging for Solo Guitar / The Queen Titles - Edgar Cruz (Jul 2005)
Gallery: Spanish Blood / The Guitar Music of Edgar Cruz /OETA (2005)
Ruben Romero
Santa Fe native Ruben Romero has had a distinguished career as a Spanish guitarist. Inspired by the musical interests of his older brothers, he studied flamenco guitar in Spain and regularly joins other flamenco artists in public performances and private juergas. He has appeared with the Denver Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra and has been the subject of a musical documentary (Simple Treasures) aired nationwide on PBS.
Ruben’s proudest efforts have been as arranger, composer and recording artist. Most of his recordings (over 20 releases to date) are devoted to his original compositions. Underlying his work are traces of the mesmerizing melodies and rhythms that have expressed the joys and sorrows of the gitano soul of his gypsy ancestors.
From the lyricism of his heartfelt Lágrimas para Mi Hermano, written in memory of his late brother, accomplished flamenco dancer Vicente Romero, to the driving energy of his rumbas, Ruben’s engaging style has distinguished him as one of the primary innovators of the Santa Fe Sound.
Recent recordings featuring guest artists such as jazz guitarist Wayne Johnson (Flamenco Flavors) and violinist Robert Notkoff (Las Guitarras de Carmen) showcase Ruben’s gift for collaboration with other accomplished players. And in his most successful CD to date, Flamenco Southwest, he blends his distinctive flamenco style with sounds inspired by the Native American tradition.
Recognition of Ruben’s music has broadened with the worldwide success of Gypsy Passion and Gypsy Soul (Narada) where his work is featured with the "Best of the Best New Flamenco" alongside international stars such as Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola, Ottmar Liebert, Jesse Cook, Oscar Lopez and Armik. Through these releases, Ruben has helped introduce innovative flamenco guitar sounds to new listeners around the world. Narada has just included Ruben’s Cathedral Bells: Homenaje a Ruby on its newest compilation Obsession. New releases include Adobe Christmas, Ruben Live, and Guitarras de Baile (w/Edgar).
www.rubenromero.com
Joseph Martinez is a multi talented percussionist based out of Albuquerque, NM.
He grew up and began playing at an early age in the bay area of California.
Many of the artist he has performed with include Pete and Shelia Escovedo,
MC Hammer, Minnie Reperton and Malo. He has worked with Ruben Romero for the last
twenty years.
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