XIOMARA LAUGART

Myspace Backgrounds Those who have entered Cuba through Jose Marti International Airport in Havana will know that upon arrival, they are greeted by beautiful video images of Old Havana on TV screens and the sultry voice of Xiomara Laugart singing “Hoy mi Habana viste lo mejor…”. And it is no coincidence because Xiomara Laugart is: “The Voice of Cuba”. She has been representing her country and her people, performing at venues around the globe for years and along the biggest talents all over. She is a living legend in her native Cuba where she has recorded more than 15 albums. For many years, Xiomara Laugart La Negra as she is popularly known, was Muse to the Nueva Trova artists and recorded and shared stages with the likes of Pablo Milanes, Silvio Rodriguez, Raul Torres, etc. Xiomara is both the essence of the old Cuba, with its rhythmic folk songs, fused with a blend of today’s directness and clarity of voice, which is eventually matched with her deep laugh. It is that distinctive laugh that will soon captivate audiences from all walks of life with her swing style in all of her Cuban splendor. Obviously, we are not in presence of a common manufactured phenomenon. This singer has a peculiar mystery to reveal, not only her vocal virtues, and flexibility, but a special sound, fluently “liquid” and garrulous. Her range is such that the jazz influences seem to be a natural extension of her repertoire. She takes on each style of music and embraces it with her own stamp and authentic flare. Ms. Laugart recently released her worldwide debut album for Chesky Records, a lavish and sophisticated collection of old and new songs written by Meme Solís and Andrés Levin, Descemer Bueno and with arrangements by Octavio Kotan and Axel Tosca. Until recently, Ms. Laugart has been the leading vocalist in Yerba Buena, a New York collective with a brilliant mix of rhythms to which she added her African and Caribbean legacy. She has recorded and/or performed along names such as: Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Albita, Omara Portuondo, Jacky Terrasson, Omar Sosa, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Dave Valentin, Isaac Delgado, Carlinhos Brown, Arto Lindsay, Roy Hargrove, Ron Blake, Kip Hanrahan, MeShell Ndegeocello, Femi Kuti, D’Angelo, Macy Gray, Erykah Badu, Ana Torroja, Meme Solis, Many Oquendo & Libre, Fun Loving Criminals and Busta Rhymes, among many others, Her monthly showcases at New York City’s famed Zinc Bar have been called legendary. She has flooded the stage with her powerful voice around the entire world. Ms. Laugart appears in the film Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights and also appears in the German/Cuban film Paraíso Bajo las Estrellas. ************************************************************ ** Xiomara has now embarked on the enormous responsibility of representing, perhaps, one of the most important figures in Latin culture, Celia Cruz, the Queen of Latin Music, in the first ever theatre production based on the legendary late Cuban artist. CELIA: The Life & Music of Celia Cruz, raised its curtain on September 26, 2007 at New World Stages on Broadway, with a massive successful response on behalf of audience and critics, who fill the theater every day enjoying and remembering the late Queen of La Guaracha, through the amazing portrayal and incomparable voice of Xiomara Laugart. ************************************************************ ** Critics say: "Xiomara Laugart’s powerful interpretation in the starring role fills the stage and the potency of her voice...convinces in every one of her appearances" MFedez Soberon, El Nuevo Dia "They did a great job. A tribute like Celia Cruz deserved." Eddie Palmieri "It brought me great memories and Xiomara was divine." Johnny Pacheco "In each stage entrance she is applauded by the fans of the "Queen of Salsa," for her masterful interpretations." Ruth Hernandez, EFE Agency “Salsa Queen Still Rules...Laugart is a powerhouse..." Joe Dzeimianowicz New York Daily News Oct. 2, 2007 “Now it’s Celia Cruz’s time to be immortalized…the humanity of Cruz and Knight come through with tasteful sentimentality.” Ed Morales, Newsday October 7, 2007 “Terrific renditions of some two dozen Cruz hits…the accompanying seven-piece band-led by Isidro Infante- who worked with the real Cruz-really sizzles.” Frank Scheck, New York Post October 5, 2007 “In a revelatory stage performance Laugart demonstrated she was the right choice for this coveted role and Off-Broadway has a new Hispanic star.” Norma Niurka, El Nuevo Herlad October 5, 2007More quotes: “Xiomara’s melodious voice resounds in high register and she shows a vivid, exceptional sense of rhythm.” “Xiomara’s seductive style left its indelible mark on Cuba for a decade, leaving behind scores of fans in her wake. ”“Xiomara, La negra as this young singer is affectionately called by her legion of followers, manages to sing every style from her homeland with ease, from bolero to salsa to danzon to guaracha to funky dance tunes.” “She has a unique blend of rawness, and her voice possesses a liquid quality rarely found in singers today.”