Hernan Romero

HERNAN ROMERO -

Spiced with the exotic traditions that infuse flamenco-gypsy, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean folk interwoven with textures of classical, jazz, and Latin rhythms, composer and guitarist Hernan Romero's music is both sophisticated and accessible. It is sensuous, passionate, romantic and inescapably infectious. Inspired by the music of his family from his earliest memory, Romero became part of their performing ensemble by the age of four. Romero's mother, popular International singer Estela Raval, contributed to this by surrounding young Romero with the best of musical environments. Romero became strongly influenced by the Flamenco style when his family moved to Cadiz in Andalusia, Spain; receiving classical guitar training from Roberto Lara, one of Andres Segovia's disciples. "It's powerful, flamenco is very strong, and has its 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. While teaching classical guitar in the music program at Five Towns College in Long Island, Romero continued his education, receiving a Masters in Composition and Orchestration from 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 (Rhino Records, 1994), and The Infinite Desire (Telarc, 1998). Romero's own passionate music has been featured in a series of CD's beginning 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 then completed Romero-Live at Trinity Church at the landmark Trinity Church in New York City, which he recorded, mixed and repackaged. The event was captured in discrete mulitichannel sound, taking advantage of the exceptional acoustics at Trinity Church. This magical performance lingers on the musical palette and is not easily forgotten. 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. The impassioned strains of Romero's virtuosity, both as a guitarist and composer, offer listeners a vibrant and exhilarating sound. Romero's Un Segundo Una Vida brought his flamenco and Latin-based jazz to new realms with the addition of more complex orchestration and additional instrumentation; including the melodic strings of a chamber orchestra, and a wide array of penetrating vocals. Romero's most recent CD, Duende, hit number 6 on the Billboard charts (World Music). 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.

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