Hailing from one of the most hardworking outfits in South Florida, one would assume that young Sammy Gonzalez has all he needs. But while we're sure that rocking for ten years with Jacobs Ladder has its charm, Gonzalez has also developed an intense relationship with the classical guitar over the years.
During his time at Miami Beach Senior High as part of teacher Doug Burris's Senior Classical Guitar Quintet, Gonzalez fell in love with the stringed beauty. He would later enjoy remarkable opportunities with the Quintet, traveling to Japan, New York and New Orleans.
Playing for modern masters like the Assad Brothers and the Los Angeles Guitar Quintet left him wanting more. But as Gonzalez soon found out, "I tried getting into other things when I went to college. But it just didn't pan out."
Sammy Gonzalez performing "Miguel Llobet's El Testament d'Amelia," recorded at New York's Julliard.
Currently, he is working on perfecting his style with reverence to the greats like Andres Segovia and Miguel Llobet while also looking to modern players like Julian Bream and Ana Vidovic. "Life has become music," he says. "I feel that the guitar is one of the most beautiful instruments."
Gonzalez's next move is trying to establish residencies throughout South Florida as well as incorporating more Flamenco into his repertoire. "The classical guitar and Flamenco have Spanish origins, and I find it boggling that more people don't know about it here in Miami. I hope to open doors and make the solo guitar a common element in this city."
Sammy Gonzalez. Thursday, October 27. Blue Piano, 4600 NE Second Ave., Miami. The performance begins at 9:30 p.m. Call 305-576-7919 or visit thebluepiano.com.
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