Romero - Un Segundo Una Vida

World/Flamenco guitarist Romero shows considerable depth and range in this passionate new release from 333 Entertainment. The impressive guest lineup includes world-renowned latin vocalist Estela Raval, Weather Report percussionist Manolo Badrena, Gumbi Ortiz, flamenco dancer/vocalist La Conja and the Munitz String Ensemble. Romero- Guitars David Silliman- Percussion Mario Rodriguez- Bass Oscar Feldman- Sax Guest include: Estela Raval- Vocals Manolo Badrena- Percussion Gumbi Ortiz- Congas,Vocals La Conja- Vocals,Palmas,Baile Infusing classical and flamenco guitar with jazz riffs and contemporary melodies, composer and guitarist Hernan Romero brings world/jazz to a new realm with his latest release, Un Segundo Una Vida. Spiced with the exotic traditions that influence flamenco-gypsy, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean folk-and interwoven with textures of classical, jazz, and Latin rhythms, Romero's music is both sophisticated and accessible. It is sensuous, passionate, romantic and inescapably infectious. Inspired by the music of his family from earliest memory, Argentinean-born Romero would become part of his family's performing ensemble by the age of four. Romero's mother, popular International singer Estela Raval, contributed to surrounding young Romero with the best of musical environments. Receiving classical guitar training in his youth from Roberto Lara one of Andres Segovia's disciples, Romero became strongly influenced by the Flamenco style when the family moved from Buenos Aires to Cadiz in Andalucía, Spain. 'It's powerful, flamenco is very strong, and has it's influence from the Middle East,' says Romero. 'The other side is the romantic aspect of Latin music, so it's absolutely the best of both worlds.' In 1986 Romero moved to New York. Teaching classical guitar in the Music program at Five Towns College in Long Island soon after his arrival, Romero also continued his education with a Masters in Composition and Orchestration at the Manhattan School of Music. Playing in jazz clubs around town, Romero was soon working with some of world's finest guitarists, including Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia and John McLaughlin. In 1990, Romero produced and played on Di Meola Plays Piazzola, beginning a fertile association with Di Meola that resulted in nine other albums including Orange and Blue for Rhino Records in 1994 and The Infinite Desire for Telarc in 1998. Romero's own passionate music and performance is featured on a series of CD's starting in the late 1990s. Zonda (Palmetto, 1999) by Conosur, the name Romero gave to the ensemble, features Romero's fiery guitar and sensual compositions flavored with Latin and flamenco strains. Romero completed Romero-Live at Trinity Church recorded at the landmark Trinity Church in New York City. The impassioned strains of Romero's virtuosity-both as a player and composer-offer listeners a vibrant and exhilarating sound. This magical performance lingers on the musical palette and is not easily forgotten. Romero has joined forces with the independent label, 333Entertainment, which recorded mixed and repackaged Live at Trinity Church. The event was captured in discrete mulitichannel sound, taking advantage of the exceptional acoustics at Trinity Church. Romero's compositions for Live at Trinity Church present intense and evocative music complimented by a lyrical style, which is sure to influence aspiring guitarists for generations to come. 333 Entertainment plans to re-release 'Trinity' on CD in late September and in discrete multichannel by January '03. Romero's most recent album-Un Segundo Una Vida is scheduled for release by 333 Entertainment late August 2002. This album brought Romero's flamenco and Latin-based jazz to new realms, with the addition of more complex orchestration, additional instrumentation including the melodic strings of a chamber orchestra, and a wide array of penetrating vocals. While Romero continues to captivate audiences in New York City clubs and on tour throughout Europe, his composing and performing skills as a collaborator remain in high demand. There is a soon to be released new effort with long time friend Al Di Meola. Saxophonist Chico Freeman's latest release, 'Oh By The Way,' features Romero's composing and musical skills throughout, while a recent session with Grammy Award winning vocalist Alicia Keys should appear on her next release.

1) Luna de Plata
2) Veneno
3) Un Segundo Una Vida
4) Alma
5) Sarabanda
6) Otro Atardecer
7) La Vida Nueva
8) La Calle Del Olivido
9) Detras Del Velo
10) Puerto Esperanza
11) D Requiem