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Earball Media World Music Reviews, June, 2005 Freshly shorn and making a splash in world and mainstream music circles, Omar Torrez returns with a new self-produced CD blending flamenco/Gypsy/Latin influences with a touch of rock and hiphop and whatever else this nimble-fingered guitarist has absorbed in his world travels. He gets political on "Hold On," a call to action on which he sings and raps about the need for change: "Why don't we challenge this fate / send him packing back to the Lone Star State..." Most of the lyrics (if not the emotions) are more subtle. His voice soars on the Afro-Cuban cover of the traditional Mexican song "Llorona." Eclectic literary and musical references (including a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Big Brother) make this mix good for the head, but Torrez's delicate (often speedy) guitar and emotion-laden singing pack a strong wallop for the heart. Somewhere between Santana and the Gipsy Kings, Dynamisto! is an engaging mix of what Torrez calls "Latin soul & groove." Seattle Times, May 3rd, 2005 (Tom Scanlon) "A couple of other acts from Seattle making national gains played around Captitol Hill on Friday night. At the Century Ballroom, Omar Torrez - who moved to Los Angeles three years ago - returned home to play flamenco guitar and pop before adoring audience. Torrez's "Senorita" is on the soundtrack of the Warren Miller movie "Impact," and his music has made cameos on a few TV shows ("Whoopie," "Felicity")." Seattle Times, April 29th, 2005! "The guitar master - flamenco? Rock? Blues? You name it - Omar Torrez, who moved from Seattle to Los Angeles a few years ago, has a concert at the Century Ballroom at 9 tonight. His new album "Dynamisto!" is indeed dynamic, widely varying songs ranging from Latin pop to Santana-rock to sangria-instrumentals. There is even a re-arranged cover of Stevie Wonder's "Big Brother." Seattle Times review of Dynamisto! The Seattle Times, April 29th to May 5th. Ticket Plus sign - recommendation "Today Omar Torrez Band. Torrez, the guitar wizard who ranges from flamenco mastery to hot Latin rock, moved to L.A. from here a few years back. He returns with a dazzling new record, "Dynamisto!" Dynamic, dynamite." Seattle P-I review of Dynamisto! Link to review at Seattle P-I's website Article by Seattle P-I's Music Critic, Gene Stout http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/105524_torrez24.shtml Check out the artist's website: http://www.omartorrez.com Track List: 1. Prelude 2. Dog Heart 3. La Danza (Remix) 4. Big Brother 5. Woke Up THis Mornin' 6. Dejame 7. New Day 8. Hold On! 9. Llorona 10. St. Vladimir 11. Abuelita 12. Home 13. Tribute To Paco Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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