RUBEN ROMERO (1946-2007)
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Ruben Romero, flamenco guitar virtuoso and SFR's runner up for 2006 Best Guitarist, has died. He was 60 years old. Romero recorded 21 albums including his latest release,
Flamenco Fire
. The album is a live recording with more than an hour of his trademark guitar work tempered through years of fine-tuning his craft.
Arguably, Romero not only was one of the finest guitar players in the city, but his artistic impact was felt worldwide. His Spanish, classical and gypsy-style compositions were an example of his versatility and vision. His arrangements of original and traditional material garnered many awards, including two Native American Music Awards (NAMMY), Best Latin Recording and Best World Music Recording for his album
Native Flamenco
and a Best Latin Recording Award from the Independent Music Awards for "Amor y Passion." Romero gigged steadily around town and was a staple at venues like The Lodge and Eldorado Hotel. Undoubtedly, the Santa Fe music scene has lost one of its most important advocates, who will be sorely missed.
