Raf Astor is considered
a torchbearer in the new era of Latin Music. Through a traditional yet unique perspective,
Raf and his band evocatively blend rumba and flamenco
grooves, Salsa rhythms, and beautiful Latino melodies. His latest album, El
Andar, encompasses his ‘Afro-NewYorican’ sound in a compelling manner – it’s a pleasure
to listen to and a challenge to sit still!
Raf has led a consistent
life of music. As the son of a trumpet
player, he was exposed early on to the complex natures of jazz, classical,
and world music. He chose the guitar
as his channel – studying various styles and even teaching at the American
Institute of Guitar. As he developed
his personal style, his playing rapidly gravitated towards the world of Latin
Music.
Stemming from Caribbean and Latin rhythms,
Raf’s music has been described as “powerful, graceful,
and simply brilliant.” From the intoxicating
melody of “Este Regalo”
to the classic feel of “Con Gran Carino”
and “Baila Mi Rumba,” El
Andar is as much a testament to the tradition
of Latin Music as it is a blueprint for its future.
In his hometown of New York City, Raf performs live regularly, which truly showcases the energy
and vision embodied in his music. Raf
is known for playing ‘in the pocket,’ and the lyrics are expressed eloquently
by the gripping vocals of Carlos Rafael Rivera.
Raf is a musician’s
musician, and is well respected among Latin music’s finest. Some of New York’s greatest talents perform
and record with Raf:
John Walsh – lead trumpet player with Tito Puente, Gene Perez – bassist
with Willie Colon and other Salsa greats, Joe Gonzalez – percussionist featured
in the movie “Calle 54,” and legendary timbales
player Jimmy Delgado; all are featured on El
Andar.
The music of Raf
Astor is spreading rapidly. He was
chosen to score the climactic dance scene between Pearce Brosnan
and Rene Russo in The Thomas Crown Affair. New York DJ’s are spinning “Baila Mi Rumba” as well as the title track from El Andar. He and his band just finished headlining the
“World Jazz Beat” summer series at the Guggenheim Museum and can be seen regularly
at S.O.B.’s, Metronome, Nell’s, Zinc Bar, and other
venues in the New York area.
There is only one precaution – Raf’s music is extremely addictive. One listen to El
Andar and it will not leave your stereo
anytime soon. Check www.rafastor.com for more info, photos, and audio
clips!