Thursday, June 21, 2012

American violinist, Mexican guitarist an inspired musical team

Alex DePue & Miguel de Hoyos
Alex DePue &
Miguel de Hoyos
Expect to be dazzled when American violin master Alex DePue and Mexican classical and flamenco guitar dynamo Miguel De Hoyos perform their first San Diego concert of the year on Thursday at the all-ages Lestat's in Normal Heights. A musical team since 2007, they create a cross-border fusion that bridges the gap between various styles with equal fire and finesse.

Classically trained, DePue made his Carnegie Hall debut when he was 14 and also distinguished himself as a young bluegrass phenom who, from 1994 to 1998, was the Michigan State Fiddling Champion. In addition to various orchestras, he counts rock guitar icon Steve Vai and country-music star Chris Cagle among his past employers.

Also classically trained, De Hoyos is a native of Monterrey, Mexico. He moved to Rosarito in 2006, the same year DePue arrived in San Diego. The two teamed up a year later and have been performing together ever since. De Hoyos has five solo albums to his credit, and also recorded two albums as the leader of the five-piece group La Guitarra Por El Mundo. DePue, meanwhile, has a new solo recording of his own ready to release.

DePue and De Hoyos have released two albums, 2007's "Underground Whispers" and 2009's "Twisted Strings." Both showcase their virtuosic playing and their ability to shine whether playing jazz, blues, rock, classical, swing, flamenco or nearly anything in between. Accordingly, their repertoire can range from such jazz chestnuts as "Autumn Leaves" and "Lady Be Good" to rock classics like "Black Magic Woman," "Eleanor Rigby" and "Owner of a Lonely Heart," with "Classical Gas" and Pachabel's Canon in D thrown in for good measure.

The duo's Thursday concert at the intimate Lestat's will also feature their protégé, guitarist Jake Allen. For those traveling in Baja, DePue and De Hoyos keep their musical chops honed by playing at La Mision, a restaurant located between Rosarito and Ensenada.

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