Tom Duarte

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!

• Website: https://www.duartemusic.net/