questions and answers
pictures
If you could duet with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
It would be the Brazilian singer Flora Purim. Guess what? Recently, Airto and Flora Purim invited me to sit in with them at the Anthology night club located in San Diego, California. This was a musical high point in my career.
Who are your musical influences?
There are many, but a few notable ones would be Milton Nascimento, Count Basie, Ruben Alaniz, Hubert Laws, Jetro Tull, Hank Mobley, Johnny Hodges, Tito Puente, Hermento Pascoal, Cal Tjdar and The Young Rascals.
How do you write your songs? Do you start with the music or the lyrics?
There a couple of ways that my songs are born. Sometimes, I’ll create a melody in my head while driving in my car and write the lyrics for it later. Other times, I’ll go for a drive in the mountains with my wife for inspiration and maybe stop at a waterfall, play my instruments there and a new song will be created.
Can you play any instruments if so which ones and do you have a favourite.
I play many instruments but my favourite is the alto saxophone. I also play flute and many various indigenous flutes made of wood and bamboo.
How did you get into music, was it from an early age?
I got into music at a very early age. My father was a singer and performed with full orchestras on live radio and television. I also have an uncle who played trumpet with Doc Severinsen on the TONIGHT SHOW with Johnny Carson. I started with the clarinet at an early age and music was, for the most part, all around me.
Do you have any musical training?
No formal training.
Which of your songs are you most proud of?
I am proud of all of my songs only because they are an extension of me.
Where were you born, and do you still live there?
I was born in Berkeley, California and now live in Rancho Cucamonga California and grew up in Los Angeles, California.
Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?
Performing and touring all over the world non-stop. I know that my music has its own sound and people are always looking for something new and fresh and that’s what I have to offer.
Six words that best describe you.
Talented; Hardworking; Funny; Creative; Intelligent;
Ambitious.
What’s your favourite of all of your songs?
I have two all time favourites. The first is CUNA, recorded with KUKULCAN, and the other CRESCENT MOON recorded with CUCAMONGA BAND, my new band.
How long did it take to write and record the Music for the ‘Mind, Body Soul and Feet’ album and Cucamonga Band album?
It took a total of 28 hours to record and several years to write the music for the KUKULCAN album “Music for the Mind, Body Soul and Feet” and it took 8 hours to record and days to write the music for the CUCAMONGA BAND album.
What’s the best Live / recording moment you ever had
I just recorded a new CD with my new band called CUCAMONGA BAND. The last song was totally improvised and I’m proud of how it turned out.
Where was your first public performance?
Jr. High school assembly.
cd tracklisting
Music for the Mind, Body, Soul & Feet
1 The Love We Share
2 Lately
3 I Once Knew A Girl
4 Laugh And Be Happy
5 Streetscapers
6 Ayamarca
7 Cuna
8 Esquinas
9 Brazilian Love Chant
featured track:
CUNA - One day taking a break from rehearsal, I went outside and found some shade in my backyard under a very large avocado tree.I took out my penny whistle flute,and CUNA was created.Lot`s of fun this song is it makes people want to move to the beat.Some jump up and down,move side to side,tap the feet and let out a yell.Translation CUNA means CRADLE ...... Venemos de la casa de KUKULCAN...We come from the house of KUKULCAN....Vamos a gozar en Yucatan...We are gonna party in Yucatan.... La fiesta no esta en la tierra..La fiesta esta en el cosmo.The party is not here,the party is in the cosmos. The last verse is in qui-che Maya...Ralph Torres
KUKULCÁN - The Feathered Serpent
In Memory of Ruben Luciano Alaniz
KU- Maya for the Divine Essence, the increased soul of the world, as the Supreme God that is not to be represented as any definitive shape. Ku is also Egyptian for the Divine intelligence of God.
KUL- Maya for worship. It is likewise true for the Assyrian where it denotes that which is holy.
CÁN- Maya for the wisdom of the great serpent as found in other ancient civilizations such as China and Persia; also known as Kahn.
Artist
NOW PLAYING - CHART SHOW 05.10.08
