Omar Torrez Band - Sangre Mia

   For those of you who are not yet familiar with the music of Seattle's Omar Torrez-who made his first impression on the Northwest music scene as a finalist in the National Jimi Hendrix Fender Competition at Bumbershoot '95 using a borrowed guitar-it's about time to check him out On Sara Mia Omar Torrez and his well-cast band not only mix up a unique blend of Flamenco, blues, folk and funk, but they allow each influence to thrive as opposed to just blending the many sounds under one another.

   While tracks like "Sangra Mia" and "El Toro" are wholly authentic Flamenco tunes, "Rainbows" is blues-based rock with recurring funk overtones. Whether Torrez is playing, a Latin-flavored pop tune like "Sister Starlight" or a funky bluesy tune like "Am I the Other U?"the likes of"whi&' would . make Carlos Santana proud-Toriez's Talent and, versatility are. undeniably. Omar Torrez is certain to become an.influential mainstay in the Northwest-that is if we can keep him here.

JACK CHESTER
(Omar- Torre Band play the Good Times cafe in Eugene, OR 6/3 and the Ash St. Grill in Portland 6/4.)