Rafael Manriquez and Quique Cruz lived and worked in Berkeley, California for many years, following the Chilean diaspora after the military coup in Chile in the 1970s. Quique (now living in Chile) and Rafael (who passed in 2013) – both incredible multi-instrumentalists and brilliant composers, each with a substantial body of work. It was a joy and an education for me have worked with them on many recordings and gigs. Rafael and Quique were founding members of La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley, as well as an amazing ensemble that toured all over North America and Europe, known as Grupo Raíz.
MY THOUGHTS
This record is a celebration of more than 20 years of their making music together, and I was honored to play soprano saxophone on a track called “Avriles” (Aprils).
PRODUCTION
Recorded at White Cow Studio in Berkeley, CA, mixed by Brian Knave, Rafael and Quique. Produced by Quique.
