Raf Nazario

“The voice of singer songwriter Rafael Antonio Nazario has the texture of velvet and it is with great feeling that Mr. Nazario transforms his remembrances into the poetry of 11 songs. The musical influences of Mexico, Brazil... the Gauchos’ Bandoneon, the metallic rhythms of neighboring islands, Salsa, Jazz, Samba, the musical soul of the [Puerto Rican] countryside...and even Merengue all form part of this delicious sound tapestry. Nazario is capable of invoking in words and music, the feelings of universal brotherhood (Isla); the affectionate ties to family (Sonnet for Grandma Provi), and the adventures of those who depart the motherland seeking their fortunes elsewhere (Doña Anatilde). The bittersweet tenderness of his ballads (Besos de Piedra, "Kisses of Stone"; ‘Eva,’ and Si Yo Pudiera—"If My Heart Could Tell You") transform each note into more than just another listening experience… "Modern Latin...Jazz, Tropical Fusion"… call it what you like. The music of Patria Añorada comes in through your ears but manages to touch every fiber of your heart.
—Marjorie Aponte Gomez
El Nuevo Dia San Juan, P.R.
(Puerto Rico’s largest daily newspaper.)

“Blues is considered the cradle for rock and roll, and it has been put forth that the Cuban Són provided the bedrock for what today is known as Salsa music. In that sense we could say that Mr. Nazario is a throwback to early Són and its North American contemporary writers of The Blues. Rich in vivid imagery and poetic strokes, Mr. Nazario’s writing sets out to create a new reality and/or a new man; at times, one borne out of the other, both draped in the language of [sometimes] tragic idealism. An obvious gift for melody makes for a collection of songs that slowly assert their indelible presence on the memory and yet, leave the listener wanting to come back for another round. Every listen brings to the fore another detail, another small revelation… Inevitably, the songs seep into the mind like wind rushing through windows that slowly yield open, thus allowing more to come through, until one has seemingly laid bare one’s own walls, exposing the fabric of our own dreams; this, perhaps in response to the manner that Mr. Nazario has so heartbreakingly given flight to his, for all of us to hear and see....
—Olivia M. Nuñez, New York, N.Y.

“Rafael Antonio Nazario spent about half of his first seventeen years in Puerto Rico and ever since has been wandering the world working at one time or another as a forklift driver, radio dj, wine consultant, piano salesman...chef, teacher of food and wine, wine writer, pianist and stand-up comic in his own cabaret act… piano player at a major Los Angeles eatery; actor on television and film; film composer, jazz pianist and actor in Tokyo, copywriter, author… But the brief years in Puerto Rico remain an influence and here, many years later, Nazario has put together a beautiful tribute to the island.

‘Patria Añorada’ (literally, "longed-for homeland") is a collection of 11 songs in a variety of styles, each very original and very personal. Nazario sings of his childhood, his friends and family; lost loves; Christopher Columbus; and of course ‘la bella isla’.

“This is not [strictly speaking] salsa or plena or bomba, these are ballads, "listening" music one can dance to, and “dance” music one can sit back and enjoy —beyond that I dare not classify.

The listener can hear salsa, bolero, samba, ranchera, jazz in the music, but it has travelled far to assume the shape that reaches your ears from this collection. Each song is different, each is thoughtfully composed,
but it is the poetry of the lyrics that really stands out.

“…the soul that comes through, the heart that he brings to every phrase, more than makes up for any shortcoming. The band is excellent and well led by Nazario. He recorded this CD in a relatively few days of studio time in Los Angeles and Mexico. Patria Añorada is a beautiful album, unlike anything…

—Bruce Ishikawa—Picadillo.com (excerpt of review)

- EL NUEVO DIA / PICADILLO.COM