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As a
child growing up, Oscar was raised on the rhythms of Afro-Cuban music listening
to his uncle’s band and others in his hometown of Matanzas, Cuba. Arriving on
American soil as a teenager in the early 60s, he continued his love of music,
playing trumpet in the school band. When he heard George Harrison and the
Beatles, Oscar decided to switch to guitar. That decision was clinched when he
heard Eric Clapton playing with John Mayall and the Blues Breakers.
Oscar started playing with local groups while in high school, but his early band
experiences were cut short when, at 19, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. When
he returned home to San Francisco in 1970, the Latin Rock scene was in full swing.
Oscar threw himself into that scene and began gigging with many members of the
San Francisco Latin All-Stars.
Along with fellow Wavelength member Bobby Gaviola, Oscar became an original
member of the seminal 70’s Latin Rock band, SAPO. At this time, Oscar was
thrilled to be driving in his car, and hear one of his songs on the radio. Even
more flattering was hearing the disc jockey compare his playing to the great
guitar legend, Wes Montgomery.
Oscar says that his motivation and joy in music come from the feeling he gets
while playing for an audience. When he gives himself through his music, Oscar shares
his soul, and when people receive his music and appreciate it, their energy
feeds back into him and enhances his performance. The listeners become an
integral part of the experience. Over the years, Oscar has played with and
opened for the likes of B. B. King, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Jr. Walker and
the All-Stars, Ray Manzarek (Doors), Sheila E. and Roy Ayers.
Oscar continues to share his musical vision by playing with his friends in
Wavelength.
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Wavelength Band