Music:
Member Since: 8/12/2007
Band Website: tommyalvarado.com
Band Members: KEYS: Cocho Arbe, Ken Stange, Billl Zapia, Billy T. Dennis Mellen.
DRUMS: Joel Richman, Tony DeAugustine, Ryan Rose, Gary Olds
BASS: Daryl Williams, Chris Gordan, Frank Fabio, Dave Inamine, Tim Scott
GUITAR: Jerry Lopez, Matt Baldoni, Steve Reichert
Influences: I have many heroes of saxophonists , vocalists and percussionists.
Grandfather Felipe Castaneda was my first hero of the sax. I can remember listening intently to every note grandfather played when I was 4 or 5 years old. He was an alto player performing at house parties for friends and also small Mexican bars throughout Central and Southern California. The styles of Mexican ballads, Corridos and Rancheras music were his expertise.
I can remember hearing for the first time the song "Sabor A Mi" in his living room with a keyboard player, bassist and drummer. It was the most beautiful and melodic song that I had ever heard. That song prepared me for what was to come.
When I matured to the ripe old age of 9 or 10 our family took the 45 minute drive to Bakersfield California for a Castaneda Family Reunion. I took notice of my two uncles Lalo and Felipe Castaneda Jr. whose own bands performed at the reunion respectfully. Great players in their own right. Both bands vying for grandfathers approval.
I followed my Uncle Lalo ( Edward ) backstage where he was putting his horn in its case. I asked if I could see it and of course he obliged. As he opened the old and battered case I was overwhelmed by the musty odor that only a sax case had. The aroma overtook me and held me in its intoxicating cloud. It was right then and there that I knew I was to become a sax player.
Grandfather gave me my first alto sax when I was about to enter the 4th grade. It was a Martin Indiana.
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I couldn't wait for granddad or anyone else to help me. I immediately took matters into my own hands and tried for two weeks figuring out how that little flat stick went on the horn.Well finally Uncle Lalo visited and showed me. It was that day I blew my first note and fell in love. It began my journey into the music world that would eventually land me some great tours and endorsements. grandfather lived well into his nineties. God Bless Him and Uncle Felipe.
Uncle Felipe passed on a few years ago but Uncle Lalo, who turns 72 August 28, 2008 is still going strong. He performs with his church band called "Gods Way Band" I had the honor of performing with Lalo and his band at my cousin Raouls funeral service. A very bittersweet day.
This list of list sax players inspired me to incorporate their individual styles and tone into my own playing. Here is a short list of musicians I admire.
Grover Washington Jr. , Hank Crawford, Sonny Stitt, Charlie Parker, King Curtis, David Sandborn, Maceo Parker, Michael Brecker etc.....
The list of my favorite influential vocalists and percussionists is just as diverse.
Thank You for reading about my sax beginnings.
Sounds Like: Tommy's saxes:
Keilwerth SX-90 R 20th Anniversary Silverstar Tenor
Keilwerth SX-90 R Nickel Silver Tenor
Keilwerth SX-90 Gold Lacquered Alto
Selmer Modele 26 Gold Plated Alto ( 1927 )
Conn 6M Alto ( 1948 )
Buescher BU-3 Gold Lacquered Soprano
Akai EWI 3020 Wind controller / 3020m
Tommy's Mouthpieces:
Mouthpiece Cafe Tenor "House Blend"
Guardala Handmade Michael Brecker II Tenor
Beechler Custom Diamond Inlay Alto
Berg Larsen Ebonite Soprano
Tommy's Percussion setup:
Toca Shiela E. Custom Bongos, Quinto, Conga and Tumba.
Tommy's Mic Setup:
Audio-Technica Pro 35 Wireless sax mic. with 4000 Series System.
Record Label: Dynasty Records
Type of Label: Indie
