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Sergio Leal considered music as his communication medium at a very early stage of his life. When the average individual would have chosen a drum or a horn to initiate his way into music, Sergio chose an instrument played by soulful veteran players, the harmonica. During his elementary years, while his peers were introduced to music fundamentals, Sergio escaped to a quiet corner of the band hall, when not in use, and practiced his instrument, discreetly hidden in his pocket. It so happens one day, his musical teacher heard and pleaded him to participate in a school talent show. Rejection came about because he was embarrassed to perform publicly. Ms. Banks opted to develop this raw talent in a different manner, taking him to secluded sessions with other music instructors. This is how he encountered his first guitar influence, name unknown. While Sergio played, this individual executed what we know as cord progressions, thus enhancing Leal’s perspective at the time was: “I never thought the harmonica could place such novel position.†It was at this point in life that Sergio decided it would be indispensable to learn the guitar. Twenty-eight years later, this man has developed into a prolific instrumentalist, where quality prevails and superficial aspects are ignored. Sergio has an excellent working relationship with notable clientele such as Aldo’s Marina, El Jarro del Arturo, Goodman Homes, Davila Electric, Latina Magazine, Martha Peliaz with the Dominion, just to name a few. Many of Sergio’s performances with major hotels and at private engagements have come about through his close working relationship with Sturchio Entertainment. Other prestigious clients include the Zulu or Saza Commission of San Antonio. Sergio has participated in the Taste of New Orleans Fiesta Celebration at the Sunken Garden Theatre and at The King Williams Fair. He also performed in the 2003, 2004 and 2005 South Texas Winter Wine Festival held at The Alamodome. Sergio has also worked with 106 KCJZ smooth jazz radio station. He played over 20 concerts at different locations throughout the city by their request and that of a following of clients. Sergio participated with the house band for the popular Club Avalon (now Prestige). At that time, Club Avalon was the only establishment offering a Tuesday night Jazz affair. He shared the stage with several nationally popular recording artists such as Michael Ward, Kyle Turner, Joe Mcbride, The Latin Playerz, Kim Waters, Fingerprints and Don Diego. Sergio performed at the Cotton Club as it quickly became the spot for jazz lovers in San Antonio. He has also performed at Arjons International Club, which is a much requested jazz venue. In 2005, Sergio performed at the St. Mary’s Oyster Bake Jazz stage. He also performed at Sean Elliott’s Jersey Retirement event. On October 5, 2002, Sergio opened up for Paulina Rubio and Enrique Iglesias at the Verizon Theatre. He has participated in various annual Jazz Alive concerts where he has opened up and shared the stage with international acts such as Pieces of a Dream, the legendary Chico Hamilton, Gato Barbieri, David Sanborn, Dr. John, Kirk Whalum, Eddie Palmieri and Charlie Hunter. In 2003, he performed at the 20th Annual Jazz Alive brunch at St. Anthony’s Hotel. Later that evening at Travis Park, Sergio shared the stage with international artists such as Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66, Spyro Gyra, and Branford Marsalis. In 2005, he also performed at the 22nd Annual Jazz Alive at Travis Park, and shared the stage with international acts such as Bobby Caldwell and Wayne Shorter. He also collaborated with Paramount Events to open up for the internationally renowned Russ Freeman & The Rippingtons at Sunset Station. The release of Sergio’s first CD, The Blessing, has brought national exposure - “Mel’s Melody†was selected by Oasis for their CD Jazz sampler, which was distributed to over 500 radio stations nationwide, as well as “Emma†from the second CD, The Appointed Time. The CD has also been aired on public radio, as well as the Sunday Morning Jazz Show, KQ102, with the Jazz Man, David Munoz. Most recently, Sergio was a featured artist on a live telephone interview on the Sunday Morning Jazz Show to promote his recent CD, The Appointed Time, as well as air play. Sergio has worked as a sideman and/or musical director for various churches, consequently enabling him to share stage with Bruce Carroll, David and the Giants, J.D. Lawtum, among others. Venturing into the recording field, his credits include Belinda Gomez- No Temere, Tim Johnson and the Day Star Choir, Sylvia Soto- Tu Eres, Second Nature Band Track List: 1. Spanish Eyes 2. La Esperanza 3. Just push play 4. Inner Visions 5. La llorona 6. Rainy Nights 7. Face to Face 8. Kasturi 9. The Healer Other Genres:
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