Get Your Own! | View SlideshowJulius Melendez born in Manhattan, graduated form Puerto Rico's Escuela Libra de Musica and studied two years at the U.S. Navy School of Music. For ten years Julius toured the world with the U.S. Navy Band as a Trumpet, Percussionist Soloist and Master of Ceremonies. He has performed professionally in over 450 cities & 92 different countries.
Julius has performed with a virtual galaxy of musical stars including The Grateful Dead, Jose Feliciano, Lucecita Benitez, Maraca, Tony Vega, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Luis Enrique, Ray Ruiz, Francisco Aguabella, Bobby Hutcherson. He also performed & recorded with such great's as Giovanni Hidalgo, Jose Luis, Quintana, Horacio Hernandez, Walfredo Reyes Sr., Alex Acuna, Omar Sosa, Ismael Miranda, Ismael Quintana,and Ismael Rivera Jr.. Culminating Melendez's career profile is his performance with Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee Carlos Santana. During his work with Santana He recorded the tremendous, multiple Grammy Award Winning success CD "Supernatural" which led to a world tour & performing live at the Grammy's the smash hit and most popular song of the year "smooth" with Rob Thomas. Julius also recorded Santana's Grammy Winning CD "Shaman" with Michelle Branch the song " Game Of Love".
Melendez was musical director and co-leader with Orestes Vilato of the group Los Kimbos. He's also formed and led his own Latin Jazz group, Latin Fire, where his work included composing and arranging. For years Melendez has also been a member of Conjunto Cespedes, on four albums two of which were voted Album of the Year at the NAIRD INDIE award for best Latin Recording in 1994 and 1996. Julius also performed along side of Shelia E., Pete Escovedo and David Murray.
In 1994, Julius attended a music Seminar at the Cuban Popular Musical Festival with composer, bassist and Los Van Leader Juan Formel and renowned composer, pianist and lrakere leader Chucho Valdez. Julius was chosen to perform as a soloist at the Jazz festival, his performance led to the invitation to perform with Irakere West at the San Francisco Great American Music Hall.
Julius at the urging of many of the same musicians who have long recognized his extraordinary talent has finally completed his first Solo Album, recording with the most talented world recognized musicians such as saxophonist David Sanchez, singer Bobi Cespedes, percussionist Orestes Vilato and flutist Artie Webb.
Julius brings incredible knowledge of traditional Latin melodies along with highly skilled ability to improvise and create pleasures that energize the music he plays. He is also an extremely effective lecturer and teacher, with a high degree of technical and theoretical proficiency. Julius gives back to the very community that has supported him through out his career by teaching and lecturing about Latin and Afro-Cuban music at college and university workshops, & master classes.
Julius Kicks of the release off his CD with some of the most talented Musicians around. Julius Melendez and His Latin Jazz Orchestra tour performing selections from His Debut Latin Jazz Album Passion & Romance "a Tribute to Osvaldo Farres" In addition they perform various Latin Music styles such as Salsa, danzon, and Cha Cha Cha.
Currently Julius is composing, and arranging the music for his 2nd solo album.
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