Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble
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Ensemble Tracks Featured On New CD
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Por Mi Camino is flamenco artist Val Ramos' latest CD, which in addition to the strong tonal and rhythmic solo guitar pieces, also features songs with Spanish lyrics ("Por Mi Camino", "Buscandote") and with his "fusion" emsemble ("Isla De Amores"). The ensemble pieces feature solos on violin, flute and keyboards, but Ramos' exquisitely played guitar is always a centerpiece in the mix. Ramos respects traditional flamenco, but favors an approach which allows room for modern musical influences and instrumentation. Por Mi Camino is an album that will greatly interest the flamenco enthusiast, but will also catch the ear of listeners new to the genre who can appreciate a lyrical and romantic guitar sound. The ensemble should enjoy much success with their latest recorded project.
Val got started in flamenco guitar in 1972 at the age of 14 under Spanish flamenco guitar virtuoso Adonis Puerta in New Yok City. He performed a variety of amateur and professional gigs before releasing his first CD in 1992, "Olive Green Eyes", followed by "Boricuas Flamencos" in 1995. That was also the year Val formed the Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble, which is now considered one of the finest flamenco fusion ensembles in the world. The ensemble has been featured on several CD samplers, including "Sounds Of Hartford '96" and two CD samplers by the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society. Val's future plans include touring the U.S. Northeast and west coast, as well as performing with his ensemble in Spain and Puerto Rico. He would also like to do a music video featuring flamenco singing and dancing.
With the outstanding group of musicians found on Por Mi Camino, Ramos intends to present flamenco as a major vibrant musical genre in the United States, going up against mainstream musical genres such as rock, pop and rap.
Contact Information
Ramos Piemontese Flamenco Productions
109 Hampton Road
Hamden, CT 06518
United States
E-mail:
Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble
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Laurie Dameron
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Classical Folk To Blues, Rock To Jazz
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It's difficult to tell sometimes how interested singer/guitarists are in their guitars. Not with Colorado's Laurie Dameron. Just about every picture you see of her is with one (or more!) guitars, and a quick listen to her CD Utah Dreams, reveals a love for the instrument. Dameron's classical folk, blues and other blended musical forms rely on her acoustic guitar for their character and sonic beauty. The CD does feature a number of quality guest musicians, but Dameron performs all of the acoustic guitar work and 90% of the electric lead work, which is top-notch. Her vocals are also perfectly tailored for the music -- her lyrical style incorporates humor as well as touches on more serious topics. The CD itself was inspired by the stunning beauty of Utah's colorful deserts, canyons and mountains.
Starting at age four on the piano, Laurie was self taught on the guitar and became proficient by age eight. From then on she was performing for any audience she could find. While attending Adams State College, Laurie attained a minor in music. She toured with ASC Big Band Jazz Ensemble, twice participating in the Annual Greeley Jazz Festival where she impressed jazz virtuoso Johnny Smith enough to receive free lessons. During this time Laurie created the ASC Open Stage and as an emcee she developed a unique rapport with her audience and fellow performers. This gave her plenty of solo time as well as collaborating with others and played a role in formation of her first band.
Dameron is planning to get the word out about her new CD via the Internet and through a number of live performances scheduled for 2001.
Contact Information
Laurie Dameron
P.O. Box 407
Niwot, CO 80544
United States
E-mail:
Laurie Dameron
Web site:
www.lauriedameron.us
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