Fiesta en San Juan by Jose Gonzalez and Banda Criolla

The strong "Jibaro" (mountain) legacy of the cuatro (our national instrument) in the humourous love poem "Una vez yo te quisi" by Don Juan Antonio Corretjer. The African influence of percussion and voices from the coastal town of Loiza in "Bomba te traigo yo" and the clash between blues guitar and Latin percussion in "Coconut Blues". Even the intimate chords of the lonely classical guitarist in "Vals Romantico". All provide fo a glimpse and quick taste of the truly amazing kaleidoscope of sounds and rhythms in a modern day San Juan. Welcome to our "Fiesta en San Juan".

Guitarist, composer and virtuoso Cuatro player, Jose Gonzalez, is one of the foremost exponents of Puerto Rican / Latin music in the United States today. Acclaimed for his original compositions featuring "the Cuatro", (Puerto Rico's national instrument), his seven self-produced recordings have become bestsellers. His music has been featured in television and film productions by NBC, PBS, CNN, cable TV, as well as three Putumayo World Music collection CDs and on the new Bose Corp. CD "World Music".

Jose is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, and his vast musical experiences include performances in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Martinique, Curacao, and the U.S.A with major Latin artists such as: Libertad Lamarque, Sandro, Braulio, Danny Rivera, Andres Jimenez, Roy Brown, Wilkins, Giovanni Hidalgo and Ruben Blades.

Jose Gonzalez and Banda Criolla have been featured on three Putumayo World Music collections as well as the Bose Corp. CD "World Music". The title track of their new album, "Bomba Le Lé", was released worldwide on the Putumayo World Music's label newest release "Latin Playground".

e-mail us: monchi@massed.net

Styles: Latin American, classical, pop, jazz and original music performed on Spanish guitars, Puerto Rican Cuatro, Flute and Latin Percussion.

Banda Criolla - (vocal / Dance) 8-piece Festive Latin Band performing hot dance rhythms in the styles of top Latino artists such as Santana, Juan Luis Guerra, Gloria Estefan, Gypsy Kings, Strunz and Farah.

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(Call (413) 253-9639 or e-mail monchi@massed.net for demo tape or information).

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