Raised in a musical family, Don, at the age of 12, took an interest in the guitar. After being exposed to recordings of great flamenco guitarist’s Paco de Lucia, Tomatito and Vicente Amigo, he found where his heart truly belonged — the Spanish guitar. His unique personal approach modifies the style of traditional flamenco guitar with nuances of Latin Jazz, Bossa Nova and World rhythm. His flamenco guitar studies vary from the traditional style of Mariano Cordoba and Agustin Rios (nephew of legendary Flamenco guitarist Diego del Gastor), to the modern flamenco school, with guitarists Jason McGuire of San Francisco, CA. and Juan Diego Mateos of Jerez, Spain. In addition to his flamenco studies, Don has also studied with jazz guitarist – Mimi Fox from the Berkeley Jazz School in Berkeley, California. His intense study and dedication led to a first-place award in the 1998 "Best of the Bay" music talent contest at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. In 1999, he toured the country of Panama as the principal guitarist for the San Jose-based Latin group Senda. Don also has recorded for numerous artists in San Francisco, California including an album by singer/songwriter Eric Martin, vocalist of the rock band Mr. Big. 'Camino de Seda' also features great artists such as John McLaughlin Trio bassist - Kai Eckhardt, Boston Conservatory/Bravo Ensemble cellist - Francisco Vila, and the 'World Element' group. For more info please visit www.donsoledad.com Don Soledad's Debut Album 'Camino de Seda' "Don Soledad was born in the Philippines, but was suckled on the rich and diverse musical milk of San Francisco that has fed so many great musicians. Camino de Seda means Silk Road, and like the road made by camel caravans to and from Central Asia and Europe, it has many branches. The word branches fits when describing Camino de Seda, not just because there is a distinctive world music rhythm along with Latin Jazz and Bossa Nova caressing an ever present Flamenco Nuevo style of guitar. This road is full of instrumental depth, from the up beat and jazzy flamenco sounds of Puerta Isabel and the title track Camino de Seda that starts our journey, to the romantic light and breezy melodic sounds of Bahia de Media Luna, Sunday Afternoon, and Autumn's Aire. Another Branch is the Tangos of Pasatiempo and La Alameda that have palmas and other great percussions in them! The liner notes are limited to the line up of the musicians that contributed and giving thanks to friends and family. I interviewed Don, and there are some great stories that go with the writing of all the music on Camino de Seda. There are eight tracks totaling just under 40 minutes on Camino de Seda and Don leaves you wanting more, and that is the mark of a well done debut work." - Blair Clark WFIT 89.5 FM Melbourne FL. Producer of C'est la Vie