Oscar Lopez

For other people named Oscar Lopez, see Oscar Lopez (disambiguation).
Oscar Lopez
Born 1953 (age 61–62)
Santiago, Chile
Origin Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Genres New Flamenco, Instrumental, Latin, Jazz, Folk, World
Occupation(s) Musician, guitarist, composer
Instruments Guitar, vocals
Years active 1989–present
Labels Fantasy of Latin Strings, Socan, Jericho Beach Music, Narada, Celtino Music, P.R.O.
Associated acts Compadres, James Keelaghan, Pavlo, Rik Emmett
Website www.oscarlopez.com
Notable instruments
D'Addario strings Pro Arte EJ46 Hard Tension Silverplated Wound Clear Nylon

Oscar Lopez (born 1953 in Santiago, Chile) is a Chilean-Canadian master guitarist whose signature style combines fiery solos and Latin rhythms with Jazz and Pop sensibilities. Lopez moved to Canada, first to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1979 and then in 1981 he settled in Calgary, Alberta. He began pursuing music as a career, becoming a popular draw on the Canadian music festival circuit and released his debut album, Hola, in 1989. He started as an Independent recording artist and then joined the Narada label. Many successful years with Narada produced four albums and numerous compilations. "Classical Soul" broke into the "Latin Charts" during its first few weeks and then came the very popular Guitar Greats featuring Oscar's song "The Flavor", as well as tracks by Ottmar Liebert, Strunz & Farah and many more.

Lopez took a break from recording and performing for two years to deal with depression. As a result, Spirit of the West recorded a tribute song to Lopez, "Come Back Oscar", on their 2004 album Star Trails. On 24 July, Lopez appeared on stage with Spirit of the West at the Calgary Folk Music Festival to perform the song.

In 1997 Lopez began playing in a group known as Compadres, playing a style of music that was referred to as "Celtino". This collaboration with longtime friend and Singer/Songwriter James Keelaghan resulted in a self-titled album that year (they later toured Australia in 2005). In 2007 they recorded another album, ¿Buddy Where You Been? and toured extensively across Canada with Percussionist Raphael Geronimo and Bassist David Woodhead.

In 1998, Lopez co-produced the album, Volcán: Tributo a José José, a tribute album dedicated to the iconic Mexican singer José José.

His next recording project was with Pavlo and Rik Emmett (lead guitarist from rock group, Triumph), known as P.R.O. The CD is called, Trifecta and it was released in 2009. This powerful and tuneful trio played 50+ live dates around North America in support of the CD.

Lopez releases his latest recording Apasionado on 21 October 2014. It's full circle for Oscar Lopez ... an Independent Artist again. Listen here.

JUNO Awards Nominations and Wins

1995: Best Global Recording: Dancing On The Moon Contigo, Nominated: Oscar Lopez

1998: Best Roots & Traditional Album – Group: Compadres, Nominated: James Keelaghan & Oscar Lopez

1998: Instrumental Artist(s) of the Year, Nominated: Oscar Lopez

2002: Best Instrumental Album: Armando's Fire, Won: Oscar Lopez

2005: Instrumental Album of the Year: Mi Destino/My Destiny, Won: Oscar Lopez

2008: Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Group: ¿Buddy, Where You Been? Nominated: Compadres – James Keelaghan & Oscar Lopez

2010: Instrumental Album of the Year: Trifecta, Nominated: Pavlo, Rik Emmett, Oscar Lopez

Total Nominations: 7

Total Wins: 2

Juno Awards Artist Summary Oscar Lopez

Other Awards Nominations and Wins

1999: Prairie Music Awards Winner Instrumentalist of the Year

2002: SOCAN Winner Hagood Hardy Jazz/Instrumental Award

And Is a two-time recipient of the Hispanic Excellence Award for the achievements as the Hottest Latin Guitarist.

Discography

Studio albums

Other Compilation Appearances

See also

External links