About Me
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in New York City's upper west side, vocalist, Javier Luis, offers original material, which include both Salsa and Boleros. The songs have been described to have nostalgic memories with its' romantic, yet saddening and great poetic lyrics. All the songs on this CD were written by Javier's mother, Carmen Martinez, and co-written and vocally arranged by Javier himself. Javiers tenor voice, which has been described "rich in tone" by many music industry insiders, artistically perfects these fresh and original songs. ____________________________________________________________
______Growing up singing R&B and Pop, the gifted singer, songwriter, actor and dancer was inspired by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Brian McKnight, Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, La India, Olga Tanon, Huey Dunbar, Luis Miguel and Christian Castro. Along with the following inspirations, Javier also developed a love for Gospel music. Because of this love for Gospel music, he auditioned for a community Gospel choir, in turn, making him a member for many years. Shortly after becoming a member, Javiers vocals were further developed by the choirs musical director, making him one of the choirs' main soloists. His choir performances have included NYC's Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, as well as many other NYC venues around the country; Boston, San Jose and Tampa FL. at houses up to 6000 seats. Not only is Javier a founding member of the Gospel choir "Illumination", he is also one of the choirs soloists, singing along side Kathy Sharpton, wife of Rev. Al Sharpton. Founded in Dec. 8, 2001, Illumination Gospel Choir is where Javier presently calls home. Outside of the choir, Javier has been busy pursuing his own solo career. His solo NYC venues have included The Apollo Theater, Yankee Stadium with Patti Labelle and Cyndi Lauper, The Village Gate, The Marc Ballroom, Club Demarara, The West End Gate, Indigo Blues, The Duplex, Wonder Land Blues, The Triad, Bistro Latino, Gonzalez y Gonzalez, SOB's and many street festivals around the city. For two years, Javier was also one of the lead singers for his schools Jazz band. He also participated in a NYC talent contest in which he won a first prize trophy for the category of Best Original Score for a song he both wrote and sang. In 2001, an Anti-Domestic Violence Organization held a benefit show in which Javier opened up for salsa artists Dominic and Kevin Ceballos. One of Javier's salsa songs titled, Ladrona De Amor, was featured on the Lifetime Channel Television Series "The Division". In 2006, a film screening was held for the movie "Salsa Lessons" directed by Antonio De La Cruz. Javier was featured in the film playing the best friend of the leading actor. Javiers' Salsa song "Mi Otra Mitad" was also featured in the film and the films sound track. ____________________________________________________________
______In 2005, Javiers' performances included the morning news show Telemundo channel 47 "Primer Edicion" morning news show, Univision channel 41 "Estrella Al Despertar", The anniversary of Roberto Clementes' "3000 Hits of a Latino Legacy" hosted by actress Rosie Perez, featured act in the Bronx Fest '05' presented by Bronx Borough President, Adolfo Carrion, numerous NYC cultural events and ended the 2005 year featured as the opening act for Brenda K. Starr at the Bronx Hispanic Chamber of Commerce show. 2006 has been a non-stop roller coster of performances for Javier Luis and his band.
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MOVIES INCLUDE:
Major Film: Carlitos Way.
Indie Film: The Eleventh Day (Sci Fi).
Indie Film: Salsa Lessons.
