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BIOGRAPHY |
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Duarte's
musical style is firmly based in traditional Latin music, 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, Los Lobos and Lenny Williams of Tower Of Power. He has played
abroad in England, Canada, Brazil and The South Pacific 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 modern and classic rock, folk, and contemporary
jazz. While in elementary school, his Spanish teacher would often stay
after class to sing Flamenco music, accompanying herself on the guitar.
Duarte would stay and listen, spellbound by the performance and feeling of
the music, watching her hands work their magic. This was a major influence
in Duarte's development. Duarte's first instrument was trombone, having
scored highest on a musical aptitude test at age 10. His first choice was
guitar, but the trombone was available through the school and provided an
introduction to music theory. He began playing guitar at age 12 after
relentlessly asking for one. There happened to be folk lessons by way of
educational television at the time, which he took to immediately,
practicing that music endlessly while figuring out current songs on the
radio and becoming lead guitarist in a rock band within four months after
starting to play. He also had training in piano and organ between ages 13
and 15. His innovation and curiosity led him to classical music and jazz
during high school, thus he continued playing acoustic styles as therapy
from the psychedelic and blues/rock bands. After leaving school, Duarte
began to work professionally, playing R&B, funk, fusion jazz, country and
other styles, touring and playing session dates. As he gravitated towards
Latin music in the 90's and early aughts, it soon became his main focus.
He resided in England for a year, gigging there and throughout Europe.
Duarte has recorded four CDs of Latin and contemporary music under his own
name, in addition to his track record as a studio musician that includes
the feature song "Orient Express" 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 captivates the
listener.
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 the
songs herein features Duarte on electric guitar in a danceable Latin/rock
mode. The CD is for the most part upbeat and danceable.
Hotel
Toledo His third release sustains his love for Latin based music as well as
including his unique arrangements of an eclectic range of material by
artists such as Coldplay, Nelly Furtado, Stone Temple Pilots and Earth
Wind and Fire, mostly performed with a full band. Also on the CD are two
original pieces by Duarte written in the fun and infectious samba-reggae
style of North-Eastern Brazil. Two of the selections feature solo guitar
performance, including the standard "Malagueña" and "Mood for a day" by
Steve Howe of Yes. 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, performed on two acoustic guitars, rhythm and melody, both
tracked by Duarte. 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!
ReDefined His 5th CD release, featuring instrumental acoustic guitar versions of pop
songs that were in rotation between the late aughts and early 20's by Dua
Lipa, Post Malone, Camila Cabello, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Ariana
Grande and Benee. The project is at times referred to by the artist as
"The Soundtrack To The Pandemic".
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