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Duarte's
musical style is firmly based in traditional Latin music, while referencing
elements of funk and jazz fusion.
Duarte
is a multi-style guitarist who leans heavily in the Latin direction but
has performed in almost every genre imaginable. Also playing electric
guitar, he toured extensively with Jerry Garcia keyboardist Merl Saunders,
sharing the stage with the likes of Ray Charles, B.B King, Bonnie Raitt,
Bob Weir, and Los Lobos. He has played abroad in England, Canada and Brazil,
as well as having toured the US several times. He has recorded four CDs
of Latin and contemporary music under his own name, in addition to his
long history as a studio musician that includes a feature song on Santana
and Journey co-founder and keyboardist/vocalist Gregg Rolie's CD "Roots".
His work can also be heard on several diversified and eclectic recording
projects by local Bay Area independent artists. Tom performs regularly
both as a solo guitarist and with his Latin trio as well as with several
Bay Area based bands. 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.
Duarte has recorded four CDs of Latin based 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, Rihanna, Adele, and Shakira.
This is a collection of six songs by these incredible female artists,
re-interpreted in Duarte's Spanish and Classical style. They make the
transfer beautifully!
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