Omar Lopez is earning a reputation as this millennium's Jean-Luc Ponty for his explosive and passionate style on his signature red electric violin, but he is also well-known for his soulful and uninhibited vocals reminiscent of Stevie Wonder and George Michael. Classically-trained, yet uniquely innovative, he combines the elements of jazz, rock, Latin, world music, pop, R&B, and electronica to create his own inspired style. This versatility is mirrored by the musicians and vocalists of his own live band.
The Austin-based performing and recording artist has been voted one of Austin's Top Ten String Musicians for seven years in a row, and his rise as a solo artist has had him performing with his band as the featured opening act for Latin music superstar Jose Feliciano, Broadway legend Jennifer Holiday, and - most recently - 80’s rock icon Pat Benatar.
Omar's albums have garnered critical acclaim in classical crossover, contemporary instrumental, and new age music communities around the globe, and his compositions range from powerful rock anthems and melodic, lyric-driven dance tracks to gospel-inspired, hearty vocal ballads and world-flavored orchestral opuses. As he creates music based on personal experiences and spiritual revelations, he has managed to weave his vast repertoire together with a message of hope, strength, and survival against all odds.
David Lynch of THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE says: "The classical training of Austin's worldly violinist Omar Lopez shows in his fiery technique, sweet tone, and this debut set list. Approaching his third decade, Lopez's themes - transition, impermanence, transformation - find him engaged in deeper issues than the typical concerns of his cohorts. In the end, Lopez should be proud, since he demonstrates a manifest talent taking hold."
DISCOGRAPHY:
"FOREVER RED" (2005): Omar joined forces with multi-instrumentalist and producer Adam Whaley to create this lavish studio production of his first group of original compositions, which includes classics such as "Dawn", "Exodus", "Testimonial Ocean", and "Forever Red", along with a bonus version of Omar performing Giorgio Moroder's theme from "The Never Ending Story". This album is available on ITunes.
"EXPERIENCE" (2007): Omar's live band and backing vocalists joined him in the studio for an innovative, energetic new take on several songs from "FOREVER RED", while highlighting new compositions such as "Fireflight", "Tiger Eyes", and "Full Circle". Also includes "Canon" and "Ave Maria / Amazing Grace". This album is available on ITunes.
NOTE: "EXPERIENCE" was re-released in 2008 as "FOREVER RED: DELUXE EDITION", without "Canon" and "Ave Maria / Amazing Grace" but with the addition of the original studio version of "Dawn", remixes of "Love Someone" and "Reasons for Living" (both featuring Karma Stewart), and a remix of "Neverending Story".
BOOKING INFORMATION:
To book Omar for national (U.S.A.) and international performances (including concert tours, festivals, and corporate/private events), please contact:
Ed Kimbrell, Atlantic Eyes Entertainment
For media (television, radio, internet) and press inquiries, please contact:
Rob Faubion
