As a child Ismael Barajas longed to have a guitar. He finally came into possession of one at the age of thirteen. At this young age he began to study this most challenging of instruments in the Classical and Flamenco styles. Less than one year later he gave his first public concert. Public response was so overwhelming that patrons of the arts, so interested in Ismael's continuing education, formed an organization to sponsor his formal training in classical and flamenco guitar. Ismael's first introduction to advanced learning was to study under the Romero's, known as quot;Spain's Royal Family of the Guitar.quot; He lived with Celin Romero and family, but also received instruction from Angel, Pepe, and Celedonio Romero as well. His tutoring in flamenco was continued under Carlos Montoya, Jesus De Jerez, and Eduardo Santiago. Ismael was awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Arizona; School of Music. In conjunction with his studies he began teaching guitar in the Tucson, Arizona, public school system, as well as at the University of Arizona. Through the years, Mr. Barajas has appeared on many radio and television programs in the United States and Mexico. He also made a cameo appearance on the television series quot;LEGENDquot; for the Paramount network, starring Richard Dean Anderson and John Delancie. Other appearances to his credit have been many solo guitar and Flamenco shows, with well known Flamenco artists and notable dance companies. For many years Ismael has performed in clubs throughout the states of Arizona, New Mexico, California, as well as Las Vegas, Nevada. However, he mainly performs in Tucson, Arizona, where he has been the leader of his own band quot;Tu Sonquot; (Tu meaning quot;yourquot; and Son meaning the quot;beat of life, pulse, or heartbeatquot;). His five-piece band plays a blend of styles using Salsa, Jazz, Bossa-Nova, Classical, Flamenco, as well as Mexican folk music. Ismael also plays with his trio using the same blend of musical styles. Ismael's latest recordings are quot;Ismael Barajas and Tu Son LIVE AT THE GRILL,quot; with his trio a recording titled quot;VENTANA.quot;, quot; INSTRUMENTAL IMAGESquot; a recording of all original instrumental music compositions. A flamenco recording quot;ISMAEL BARAJAS and AL SON DEL ALMAquot; live at CASA VICENTE, and his latest recording quot;CAPTURED MOMENTSquot;. Ismael's first recording was quot;FLAMENCO AMONG FRIENDS,quot; a solo Flamenco guitar recording, with a live audience, in 1981 for Mar Sound Records. His second recording, entitled quot;DIALOGUE,quot; in 1985, also for Mar Sound, was recorded with his then guitar partner, Jorge Lopez. Ismael went on to record in 1995 quot;CON CARINO CON AMOR,quot; (With Love and Tenderness), with CAPITOL Records, Hollywood, California. Ismael has also done studio work with SONY Records. And for the years 2002, 2004 and 2006 through his own personal efforts, he composed, recorded, and donated Christmas music CD's, quot;A HOLIDAY FEASTquot;, quot;A MARIACHI CHRISTMASquot;, and quot;TIZ THE SEASON TO BE JAZZYquot; with all proceeds to benefit the Tucson Community Food Bank. The response to his intense creativity and dynamic talent has always been tremendous. Ismael Barajas is one of the most outstandingly talented guitarists, composers, and vocalists of our time. He has brought together a most beautiful blend of musical rhythms in, salsa, jazz, bossa-nova, flamenco, classical, and Mexican folk music that is a delight to the ears and soul. The response to his intense creativity and dynamic talent has always been tremendous.
