Rafael Tranquilino Band

He’s been playing music for more than 20 years now, but Rafael Tranquilino says he feels as if he’s just starting out on a brand new journey to take his music to heights yet uncharted in his highly notable career.

A big part of his enthusiasm is because he signed up recently with Maurice the Fish Records. Providing artists with a platform in which they maintain creative control of their music and attain visibility in a competitive market, Tranquilino said “The Fish” drew him in due its reputation for putting its family of artists first and because those who head up the label are not only musicians themselves, but they are genuinely great people.

“I like good people – nice people – and I like to work with good people,” Tranquilino said. “Maurice the Fish is all about helping each other. It’s like I’m at home with friends. They make me feel real and that’s important to me.”

Another thing that has Tranquilino’s spirits raised is his move to be a fully independent artist. Up until about two months ago, Tranquilino was enjoying a stint with the Randy Oxford Band with whom he grew musically and personally as the band’s guitar player, band director and songwriter. Feeling the need to play more and different music, with Oxford’s blessing Tranquilino left the band a couple months ago. 
“For me, this is very exciting. This year I turned 30 years old and the way I think started to change a little bit – something told me I need to start doing my own stuff.”

A prolific performer, Tranquilino can be seen and heard onstage at numerous Tacoma venues many nights throughout the month, and also at Louie G.’s in Fife, which has a fully professional stage, sound and lighting set. Rafael Tranquilino Band will perform there on Nov. 19 as part of a Maurice the Fish showcase with The Fat Tones.

“This will be a good chance to see all sides of what I do,” Tranquilino said. “I’m going to try and put everything I’ve done for the past three years into one set.”

The three years Tranquilino is referring to encompass the experiences he got with Randy Oxford Band along with his own continuing development as a consummate guitarist. With his trademark passion and energy, combined with his affable nature that truly comes across onstage, Tranquilino plays a wealth of musical styles – blues, rock, funk, metal, ska, reggae, Latin and jazz fusion. Through deft improvisation, he creates his own brand of blues/rock fusion that can be best experienced during his band’s live performances. “I shred a lot,” he said of his playing. “I like the fast stuff.” He likes the slower stuff too, his smooth voice icing on the cake. Whether he sings in Spanish or English, it’s the soul in his music that speaks to listeners of any nationality.

Tranquilino’s current projects include a CD in the works and upcoming gigs with Rafael’s Gemini Trio featuring Glenn Hummel on drums and Matt Deason on bass - three Geminis all born on May 30.

With his new mantra these days – “Let’s take it to the next level” – the joy Tranquilino spreads through his music and his warm personality will no doubt serve him well to the next level and beyond. He misses his friends and family in Mexico City, but he feels that he’s in the right place right now. “I feel like I’m at the start of something new,” he said. “I always wanted to play music in the U.S. That is my American Dream.” - Tacoma Weekly

This was one of our early Live! sessions at The Feedback Lounge in West Seattle in early 2014 when Rafael had an all female band featuring Leah Tussing on lead vocals.

More information about this show available at: Seattle Community Media - Seattle Community Media

he latest Blues CD Titled “EsESPERA COVER ITUNESpera” by Rafael Tranquilino Band is one helluva CD that promises to get your blood flowing. The first track “Back Down Engine Town” truly rocks and you will notice right away the awesome talents of Rafael on the guitar. Yes ! there is no backing down from Rafael on this track. In the second track “Salvo Mi Alma” is a sweet slow blues song in Spanish. Oh Yeah ! Bilingual Blues Right On ! Once again throughout this song you will hear the tight guitar skills of Rafael as the sounds literally jump out and attempts to grab your attention. “Shuffle” represents a blues quickie on the CD in terms as a sweet short transitional jam. The fourth track is the favorite among the meta-verse listeners the song titled “Do You Want Me?”. In this track, lead singer Leah Tussing vocals and Rafael guitar makes this song one of those last call types in the blues clubs. Better yet, “Dim the Lights and Let’s Get It On” as the song sets the mood.

Oh yeah, I think I can feel Stevie Ray Vaughn in the fifth track “Stevie”. Just a wild guess on my behalf do not quote me on this. Another classic tune that demonstrates Rafael’s awesome talents on the guitar. From Texas to down to the deep south and you hear the next track “Delta” with Leah Tussing on vocals and Rafael on the slide guitar. This is yet another favorite among the meta-verse listeners which gets them cranked up and shaking it on the dance floor. Just imagine seeing Rafael in the Juke Joint and jamming all night long. Oh yes ! Rafael bring the Juke Joint Down ! The seventh track “Lucia” is another cool transitional jam that allows the patrons grab a drink or two before returning to the dance floor. The sounds of the wicked guitar echoing off the walls and shaking the entire club. “Ya No Blues” a Spanish blues tune which demonstrates another aspect of Rafael’s talents. A wonderful mixture of slow and rough riffs of the guitar really captures your mind. When ever you are out on the road, the track titled “Driving Blues” is a very befitting one as you are passing them 18 wheelers on the highway listening to the vocals of Leah Tussing and swift guitar riffs from Rafael. Looking into the rear-view mirror and seeing those 18 wheelers looking very small since the song completely captivates your attention. Easy now, ease off the gas pedal…Laughs.

The tenth track “Crazy Jam” reminds me of Jimi Hendrix a bit “fast and furious” wicked guitar jam. Though, when I get a chance to hook up with Rafael, I will ask him about this song. The track “Take You For A Ride” is where you will hear the vocals of Rafael once again. Sweet classic blues tune, though I am sure those who purchase this CD will wonder where Rafael will take them to. I can tell you one thing for sure, Rafael’s CD “Espera” will no doubt spin you into the blues. “No Vuelvas” is also another favorite among the meta-verse listeners. A very slow yet very influential mood song as throughout the track, the guitar comes out to wrap about your head and take you away. The final track, the CD Titled “Espera/Waiting”, brings back memories of Carlos Santana’s songs in the 80’s. In fact, we all might be witnessing another version of Santana in Tranquilino. It will not be too long before Rafael Tranquilino music spreads around the globe. “Espera” is one CD that you must get, the blues will come alive for sure. Here is the song “Espera” that you can listen and be a judge for yourself. - Yippee Ki Ay Blues