RG-Records

The magnificent and innovative arrangements produced for these tracks, majestically performed by the "RG ROYAL SOUND ORCHESTRA" and enriched with a fresh new FUSION and its rhythmic flamenco foundation,   fills us with pride and satisfaction in knowing that this is the first time that a FUSION of this unique nature has been carried out by a BIG Band, but we would prefer that you formulate your own opinion on this project.

We hope that this selection is to your liking since this project has been formulated with the utmost professionalism; from the tracks included to the arrangers that worked on this project, to whom we would like to express our gratitude for their receptiveness in listening to our needs and creating the magnificent sound recordings that have joyfully resulted in this final product. First and foremost, we give thanks to God for making it possible.            

I am additionally grateful for the privilege of being able to partake in the professional debut of my dear son Richard, who at only 15 years old has added his own youthful and fresh touch to the production, making this possible thanks to his musical vocation, the constant dedication he has observed in mastering his instrument and in learning to read music, as well as his maturity and determination. We would also like to thank his extraordinary teacher and mentor Adalberto Lara "Trompetica". Richard has been able to collaborate on this project while still maintaining high academic excellence, an accomplishment that represents a great source of pride for our family, his mother, my beloved wife Ruxandra and his brother Ryan. Ryan is also a talented musician, who studies the guitar under the tutelage of prestigious guitarist Ahmed Barroso, while also maintaining high academic honors. Thank you Ryan for being by my side throughout the countless hours of recording in Spain. Thank you Richard and Ryan for being in my life.

It has been a personal satisfaction to work with and enjoy the unconditional collaboration of someone, whom I consider to be one of the greatest trumpet players in Cuba´s musical history, my friend and a true musical genius Adalberto Lara "Trompetica", whose participation in this project has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am sure that it will lead to a well deserved recognition and accolades for his musical virtuosity.

It has been an enormous honor for me to have had the opportunity to know and work, both in the musical arrangements and throughout the entire production, with legendary musician Mike Lewis.  Lewis has been a leading figure in the musical history of our country for the last 40 years, being the musical arranger for monumental songs like, "That´s The Way", in its original version, which has been included in this album with a refreshing new sound. Mike, I sincerely offer my deepest respects for your music and your talent.

 I would also like to thank the talented Tony Taño, another top exponent of the very best of Cuban music over the last 4 decades.  It was a pleasure to have met him and to work with him on this production.   Tony, my deepest regards and congratulations for your musical arrangements and I also want you to know that I have been praying for your prompt recovery since April 4th. Thank you for your work and for your teachings.

Another principal collaboration on this production has come at the brilliant hands of renowned pianist Hilario Duran, a man who impressed me for his humbleness and great sensibility, as only the truly great ones can do. Thank you maestro Duran for your great professionalism and the incredible arrangements that are clearly discerned throughout this project.    

From the inception of this project, the cooperation and support of the talented musician Jorge Arronte, who in spite of his relative youth, is an expert in crafting the perfect harmony of the intricate BIG BAND format, has been a vital part of the development of this production as is undoubtedly evident in his musical arrangements.  His invariable assistance in the pre and post production stages was of great importance, leaving me only to thank you and wish you continued success and constant dedication to music. Always bear in mind that every new piece must improve upon its predecessor.

The participation of the young instrumentalist Lulo Pérez on this project may be appreciated as a stroke of youthfulness since his modern ideas have added their own special seal to this production. Lulo, I want you to know that I have the greatest appreciation for your talent and I urge you to continue demonstrating that unique talent in future projects. 

Once again, I express my deepest sensibilities in due recognition of the extraordinary work done by my wife Ruxandra in the executive and musical production of this album. Believe me when I say that without her it would have been if not impossible, extremely difficult to carry out this production. My heartfelt gratitude to my son Richard, who has been a key part of this production thanks to his privileged and extraordinary musical ear.

We are also pleased to recognize the extraordinary musicians who have lent their talents to this project; each one of them is a true prodigy of their instrument. I would like to distinguish the participation of talented musicians like Ed Calle, Steve Sigmund, and Ranses Colon, in addition to that of the brilliant Spanish musicians Anye Bao, Josemi Carmona, José Lozada, Maca, El Bandolero, Paco Aguilera and Carlos Nuño. I would like to reiterate my deepest gratitude to all the musicians that make up the "RG ROYAL SOUND ORCHESTRA". 

Also a special recognition to someone whom I consider one of the pillars of this production, as well as one of the best recording and mixing engineers in the business, my friend Mr. Carlos Alvarez. As I always tell you after the completion of one of my projects, "Excellent job!" my friend, and rest assured that we will continue to develop many more projects like this one. 

I would also like to thank each of the music engineers that participated on this project; Mr. Trevor Fletcher from the "Hit Factory Criteria" for allowing us to use their facilities.  In Madrid, Spain; Sound engineer José Luis Garrido from "Estudios Musitron" thank you for your professionalism, kindness and enthusiasm throughout this project. I would like all of you to know that I thank each of you for your dedication and professionalism.

We would also like to thank Osmany Sigler for the visual component of this project, in the form of a beautiful oil painting titled "IMPACT." Thank you for your patience and we wish you much lasting success; we will continue working together. Thank you for being a part of each piece of work we have created.

There are also many executive contributions on this project that are not quite visible, but must not be forgotten, and in which I have enjoyed the unfailing support of many whom I consider the greatest of friends: renowned film director Sergio Giral, producer and film-maker Armando Dorrego; the talented journalist Emilio Ichikawa, and renowned art critic Jorge De La Fuente, and to my dearest son Ritico, thank you once again for your invaluable support. Last, but not least, I would like to thank my most valuable advisor: our publicist Adolfo Fernández, thank you for your patience and for graciously putting up with my constant follow up.

MY SINCERE GRATITUDE TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED ON THIS PROJECT.

RECAREDO GUTIERREZ

October 2009