Introducing Tom Duarte

Duarte's musical style is firmly based in traditional Latin music, while referencing elements of funk and jazz fusion

The other day I was ending my show and I received a phone call from Tom Duarte to tell me how much he enjoyed the show and that he is a professional musician and would like to send me some of his music to see how I like it. Well, I am always having my doors open especially for Bay Area musician to show case and introduce their music and promote the Latin culture in the ALA Cristina Show.

Few days later he sent me an email with few mp3 for me to review and get my opinion, so one night I decided to listen to his music and I was very impress with the quality and unique style of Spanish and Brazilian-contemporary music. I liked most of his songs but I was amaze with the sounds of the "Malagueña" - Flamenco Classic, "Hips don't lie" - Shakira song, Alejandro - song by Lady Gaga…

Tom lives few miles away from San Jose, so I decided to have a phone interview, however, he surprised me by telling me that he would rather come in to the KKUP studios and do a live show with me to introduce with music to my audience.

Having Tom Duarte at the KKUP studios is a great idea. Now, I would like to invite my local friends and audience to tune in to the ALA Cristina Show and have one hour live show with musician Tom Duarte at KKUP 91.5 FM, December 8, 2015 from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM California time. Remember that you can also hear the ALA Cristina Show all over the world online.

Duarte has recorded four CDs of Latin and contemporary music:

Leyenda - Duarte's first Latin CD, is a mixture of classical, Spanish and Brazilian-contemporary music. The CD includes traditional classical pieces by J.S. Bach, Isaac Albeniz and Augustin Barrios as well as some Brazilian jazz pieces with a rhythm section and a very tasteful arrangement of a Pat Metheny piece.

Diamante - Duarte's second release is a Latin-centric outing that focuses on danceable Brazilian grooves and fiery solo Flamenco pieces. One of thesongs herein features Duarte on electric guitar in a danceable Latin/rock mode.

Hotel Toledo - His third release sustains his love for Latin based music as well as including his unique arrangements of some more recent alt/pop material by artists such as Coldplay, Nelly Furtado and Stone Temple Pilots. Also on the CD are 2 original pieces by Duarte written in the fun and infectious samba-reggae style of North-Eastern Brazil. Four of the songs showcase Duarte stepping out on electric guitar.

Cubertura - Duarte’s instrumental versions of songs by Lady Gaga, Shakira, Rihanna and Adele. This is a collection of six songs by these incredible female artists, reinterpreted in Duarte’s Spanish and Classical style. They make the transfer beautifully!

Well, now is time to discover who Tom Duarte is

His playing remains beautiful and communicative throughout, reflecting a true sense of the gypsy spirit. In his solo acoustic playing, as well as in his searing electric solos, he plays with a passion that equally captivates the listener.

The youngest of seven children, Duarte was exposed to a broad range of musical styles, including rock, folk, and big band jazz. In grade school, his Spanish teacher would often stay after class to sing Flamenco music, accompanying herself on the guitar. This was a major influence in Duarte's development.

Duarte began playing guitar at age 12, becoming lead guitarist in a rock band within four months. His innovation and curiosity led him to classical music and jazz during high school, and he continued playing acoustic styles as therapy from the rock bands.

After leaving school, Duarte began to work professionally, playing R&B, funk, and other styles, touring and playing session dates. As he gravitated towards Latin music in the ‘80s, it soon became his main focus. He lived in England for a while, gigging there and throughout Europe. He toured with Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead keyboardist Merl Saunders, and played on recordings with Santana and Journey co-founder keyboardist/vocalist Gregg Rolie.