Biography

For over ten years the group Libre has been discharging a fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, Latin Soul with a blend of jazz, blues and rock. The group originated in Orange County, California with the intent of doing something that is rare in this day and age and that is to blend the various styles of music together in a manner reminiscent of the early to mid 1970's. That type of music was known as Latin rock. There are many bands that play one style of music, either salsa, merengue, blues or rock and target those flavors. Libre has fused the many flavors together, making up a beautiful chemistry of sound. This is accomplished by every member of the band blending their musical gifts and experience giving a fresh new meaning and emotion to every song they perform. The six well versed musicians are: *Ernesto Angulo (Guitar), Art Espinoza (Keyboard), Jaime Tinajero (Bass/Vocals), Ray Morales (Lead Vocals), George Rossi (Percussion), and Vince Brooks (Drummer).* Because of the different and collaborative experiences of the group's members, Libre's sound is powerful and yet beautiful at the same time. Hearing the group live is a must in order to capture Libre's energy and extraordinary chemistry. Libre has had the opportunity to open for nationally and internationally recognized acts such as Hiroshima, Gato Barbieri, Poncho Sanchez, Eliades Ochoa of the Buena Vista Social Club, Lee Ritenour, Si Se, and Tierra just to mention a few. These performances took place in various concert venues such as The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California, The Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, California and other concert venues in Los Angeles and Orange County along with performances in Mexico.

Click image to enlarge	*Ernesto Angulo,* was born in Mexicali "Baja" Mexico and began playing guitar at the age of twelve. The classic Rock and R&B music of the late sixties and early seventies were his blueprint for the great guitarist he would soon become. At sixteen years of age he recorded his first album with the group Zoo. Ernesto arranged the hit song of the album Secreto De Amor , as well as others on the album. In 1978 Ernesto moved to Southern California and was enlisted as the guitar player for a South Pacific tour with the legendary Marvin Gaye. Ernesto also played guitar for performances of recording artists Omero Patron, Rocio Durcal and Juan Gabriel. Ernesto completed and released his first self produced album Burning Desire in 1997. The song Purple Mist from the album was featured in many of Libre’s performances.

Click image to enlarge	*Jaime Tinajero,* was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Playing with local Latin Rock bands in El Paso, studying Latin rhythms and drenching his ear with music from Santana, Malo, Earth Wind and Fire and the Latin Jazz Rock Fusion era of the seventies was the first and most important music schooling Jaime received. In 1990 Jaime moved to southern California and began a journey in search of musicians that shared the same vibe. In 1997 Jaime Tinajero, the founder and bassist for the Latin Jazz – Rock fusion group Libre went to see the legendary Santana at the Arrowhead pond in Anaheim California. Opening for Santana was a three man guitar act that played vibrant, rhythmic and aggressive flamenco style music. Jaime was impressed with the act but eagerly awaited the start of the show by the headliner. Little did Jaime know that four months later he would meet one of the guitarists of the opening act who performed so energetically and colorfully at a rehearsal early in Libre’s history hosted by Libre keyboardist Arturo Espinoza. This guitarist was Ernesto Angulo. "The first time we played together we just clicked, and we became instant friends." Jaime remembers. The two shared a late dinner after the rehearsal at a nearby Mexican restaurant where Jaime spoke enthusiastically to Ernesto of his search for additional musicians as well as his vision for his new band. As Ernesto spoke in detail of his recent music performances, and the release of his first self produced album, Burning Desire, Jaime was struck when he learned that it was Ernesto that he saw in the opening act for Santana just four months ago. Since then Ernesto has been Libre’s lead guitarist, and collaboratively responsible for Libre’s signature dynamic versatile Latin jazz – rock, fusion inspired sound.

Click image to enlarge	*Ray Morales,* a native New Yorker who was born and raised on the south shore of Long Island, was a trombone player turned singer, discovering his voice in the late 70’s at the age of 16. Ray was the featured tenor of his High School’s choir and musical theater productions. Ray went on to study classical voice and musical theater at New York’s Adelphi University where he honed his crisp and clear tenor performance voice further. In 1985 Ray was spotted by San Francisco Bay Area singer named Woodrow “Woody” Clark of the acapella R&B vocal group Hot Pursuit. Clark and fellow Bay Area R&B singer Eddie Hall auditioned Ray and accepted him into Hot Pursuit to perform for various military events in Northern California. Ray moved to Los Angeles in 1987 where he quickly found work singing for the classic rock and roll oldies group called Nightwatch and struck up a twenty year long relationship with Bassist Roger Corso. In 1997 Jaime Tinajero, the founder of Libre, was invited to a Los Angeles area performance of Nightwatch where he saw Ray in action. Jaime was struck by Ray’s confident tenor vocal range and stage presence. At the end of the night Jaime approached Ray and said, “I think you’re the right guy for a band I’m starting called Libre.” Ray auditioned a week later and was quickly hired as the lead singer for Libre, and is a founding member of the group. Ray is featured in Libre’s recordings and has also recorded independent original classic rock music and pop projects co-produced by Roger Corso.

Click image to enlarge	*Vince Brooks,* having a huge background in various styles of music, Vince can blend and change styles dramatically on demand, giving Libre's music various musical moods.

Click image to enlarge	*George Rossi,* a percussionist from Long Beach, California, adds the right touch and feel to the group with strong Afro-Cuban rhythms, and stinging solos. George's background as a drummer has enabled him to lock into the group's music with extreme precision.

Click image to enlarge	*Art Espinoza,* a Fullerton California native, started his musical career as a guitarist turned blues jazz pianist. He contributes his meticulous rich chords and beefy Hammond organ tones to enrich the bands rhythms and harmonies.