Gary is joined by another respected figure in the world music scene; Italian studio drummer, percussionist and vocalist Renato Annichiarico. Renato helped get the world music scene started in the Bay Area as a member of “Special Fun” . He has been performing both in Europe and the US, live and as a studio musician, and has played on hit TV shows in Italy. In the US, he has opened for bands like Spyro Gyra, UB40, Lee Ritenauer, and others.
Murray Low is a veteran pianist of the Bay Area jazz scene. He has been playing and recording professionally for twenty-two years. He is the regular pianist with the Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra (since 1994); with John Santos and the Machete Ensemble (since 2000), which was nominated in 2003 for a Grammy in the Latin Jazz Category for the album S.F. Bay; and with Andy Narell, the pioneering jazz-steel pan player.
His multi-faceted career has included both local and international performances with Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez, Bob Mintzer, Sheila E, Clark Terry, Benny Golson, John Patitucci, George Duke, Omar Hakim, Bob Sheppard, George Young and John Handy. Murray always adds tasty piano and is the featured soloist on “Partenope”.
Gary Carpenter has always had a passion for World Music and guitar. At age sixteen he was admitted to the Hartford Conservatory for his experimental Indian Raga/rock fusion compositions. Upon his move to the Bay Area, he formed the World Fusion band “Montage” which played to sold out houses at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz. In his career, he has worked with such acclaimed musicians as Compass and Blue Note recording artist, Samba Ngo. As well, we was lead guitarist for Blues and R&B star, Sista Monica and has to contributed guitar tracks to Arabic World /Electronica Embarka recording artist, MC Rai.
Garys’ examplary playing skills have led him to live performances at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Sierra Music Festival, Sacramento Jazz and Blues Festival and the Oakland Jazz and Blues Festival to name a few.
“Sirena” is his first solo effort where he wrote and produced all of the tracks. “I put melody, arrangement and composition first and then integrated the guitar. It’s not just a “riff fest”, but rather an all around fun musical experience. With Renato’s assistance, we then combined World/Latin rhythms with hip-hop and electronica grooves to create something new, fresh and an exciting addition to the World Music genre”.
Also on board are vocalists Liz Raquell, contributing hauntingly beautiful vocals on “Sirenity”;
Lisa Taylor on “Chiamila Gypsy” and featured on bass is Steve Uccello on “Partenope” .
Here’s what they are saying about ”Sirena”
“Santa Cruz guitarist Gary Carpenter and his fiery ensemble Tribal Heat have a riveting collection of world-influenced songs that make SIRENA an engaging listening experience from start to finish by incorporating elements of lounge, electronica, Flamenco, Rumba, and swirling vocals with modern Spanish acoustic guitar. Carpenter, a critically acclaimed guitarist was joined on this project by Italian drummer/percussionist/vocalist Renato Annichiarico who helped him combine world/Latin rhythms with hip-hop and electronica grooves to create a fresh sound. In addition to Renato, Gary invited veteran pianist Murray Low (Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orch, John Santos, Andy Narell) to be part of Tribal Heat as well as two captivating vocalists, Liz Raquell and Lisa Taylor. Appropriately titled (means siren), the alluring SIRENA is a musical journey transporting the listener to far away locations where perhaps one might find intrigue and romance and for sure adventure and distraction. The best part is that you don’t need to go through customs to get into SIRENA, one listen and you're already there.” ~SANDY SHORE Smoothlounge.com
“Maximum 5 stars”
“The Spanish guitar is superb!!! ”
“ I had to play this twice (Chiamala Gypsy ) for the review because the first time my wife grabbed me a we began to rumba around the house.”
“This one (Oracle Dancer) just blew me away with the awesome blend of instruments. The beats are so unique that I am totally involved in it. The guitar has been played perfectly, oh, what rhythm. The flute and several other instruments are top notch. This is just too much; the beauty of this song cannot be expressed in words. I truly love this”
“Yes!!!! I love this passion; what a wonderful world when you can listen to this kind of music. Elation, soul and vibe can only come from a tune like this.”
“Musically Rich.(Raised by Wolves) Great production, guitar sounds, and overall mood.
Great backdrop music for a chill evening indoors.”
“ Well, this track is in my play list favorites and very few have achieved that so I must award it a maximum 5 stars - you deserve it Mr C!”
“Oh hell yea, this is awesome. The Spanish guitar is superb!!! the overall listening experience was very satisfactory, no negatives just a 5/5”
GarageBand.com Critics Choice Awards
• Seven times voted -Best World Fusion Guitar
• Best Mood
• Track Of the Week
• Best Production
• Best Beat