Guns & Saxes
Luis began playing sax in middle school and through high school. Right after high school he joined the US Air Force Reserves and attended basic training and the Security Police Academy. Upon his return he attended Miami Dade College as a music performance major. During his first two years he served his reservist commitment and attended college. Though he was already gigging with local bands and played in his church praise team, he also served the Air Force with distinction and when the first troops began to be deployed he was asked to volunteer for special duty. Without hesitation Luis signed for 6 years of active duty to serve his country.
After the first Gulf War Luis received orders for Ramstein Air Base Germany and quickly found a musical outlet in the Moral Welfare Recreational Services Entertainment program. In 1993 Luis began competing and one best solo instrumentalist at the base level, regional and command level and came in second place at the world wide talent competition. This began his journey to play with many renowned artists during their European USO tours. Luis played with such artists as George Duke, Anita Baker, Clint Black, Billy Joel and many others.
Upon his decorated discharge from the United States Air Force Luis was quickly accepted to the Department of Veteran Affairs Police Department in his hometown in Miami and gigged regularly with many local bands. Shortly thereafter Luis was asked to tour with Spanish Christian artist Renan Carias and the platinum album “Hoy”. Accepting the offer he took a leave of absence from the police department and toured for the next two years.
While on tour 9/11/01 happened and once again Luis was called to take part with the newly expanded elite Federal Air Marshals. Due to his responsibilities Luis was not able to play much and over the next six years worked throughout the world and occasionally played but not at the levels he was accustomed to. In 2007 Luis took his retirement from his combined military and federal service to once again begin his passion. With new zeal and effort Luis began playing and even became the music director at Living Hope Community Church while expanding his skills and performances not only playing for others but also as a solo artist.
Recently Luis has been signed to release his first solo album “Shades of My Soul” under the TMG label. In addition he was asked to coordinate and direct the music for the March for Jesus United event that was held on December 4, 2010. This event was attended by over 55,000 people and Luis coordinated the performances of 6 artists along with a 35 voice gospel choir and his band. The success of this event has also led to the invitation of Luis to direct the music of similar events around the United States. The future is truly looking bright and with an upcoming tour Luis is assuredly about to become a jazz staple.
After the first Gulf War Luis received orders for Ramstein Air Base Germany and quickly found a musical outlet in the Moral Welfare Recreational Services Entertainment program. In 1993 Luis began competing and one best solo instrumentalist at the base level, regional and command level and came in second place at the world wide talent competition. This began his journey to play with many renowned artists during their European USO tours. Luis played with such artists as George Duke, Anita Baker, Clint Black, Billy Joel and many others.
Upon his decorated discharge from the United States Air Force Luis was quickly accepted to the Department of Veteran Affairs Police Department in his hometown in Miami and gigged regularly with many local bands. Shortly thereafter Luis was asked to tour with Spanish Christian artist Renan Carias and the platinum album “Hoy”. Accepting the offer he took a leave of absence from the police department and toured for the next two years.
While on tour 9/11/01 happened and once again Luis was called to take part with the newly expanded elite Federal Air Marshals. Due to his responsibilities Luis was not able to play much and over the next six years worked throughout the world and occasionally played but not at the levels he was accustomed to. In 2007 Luis took his retirement from his combined military and federal service to once again begin his passion. With new zeal and effort Luis began playing and even became the music director at Living Hope Community Church while expanding his skills and performances not only playing for others but also as a solo artist.
Recently Luis has been signed to release his first solo album “Shades of My Soul” under the TMG label. In addition he was asked to coordinate and direct the music for the March for Jesus United event that was held on December 4, 2010. This event was attended by over 55,000 people and Luis coordinated the performances of 6 artists along with a 35 voice gospel choir and his band. The success of this event has also led to the invitation of Luis to direct the music of similar events around the United States. The future is truly looking bright and with an upcoming tour Luis is assuredly about to become a jazz staple.
