"Revolution"
was written by Joan Torres himself and is performed along side a masterful
collective of members that make up All Is Fused. Torres set to explore new
territory within the writing of this release, branching from playing his normal
Fender Jazz Bass that he's used on previous material and incorporating bass
guitars with different feel and style forcing him outside of his comfort zone.
You'll find this chapter of songs are a well crafted mix of jazz, fusion, funk
and prog rock which is sure to grab the attention of fans of King Crimson, The
Victor Wooten Trio and more.
"When I
set out to start All Is Fused I thought of a possible trajectory for our sound.
I knew enough about my favorite artists to know that it was unlikely our sound
would be fully developed by our first album. I started planning our phase 1 –
the road it would take us to get closer to that sound. I believe Revolution to
be the culmination of said phase 1."
From a young
age, Joan Torres was drawn to music. Even though he often played around with
instruments he found around his home it was not until he was 10 years old that
he decided to take music more seriously and learn to play an instrument in
order perform with others. He chose the bass and his life was changed forever. He began
studying the instrument, first with an instructor then on his own, formed a
band with a couple of friends from school while still in 8th grade.
In the year
2003, a Berklee College alumnus and music industry veteran named Orlando
Collado took over as director of his school's music program. Torres joined the
school's choir, directed by Collado, and it was the modern, seasoned, and
honest approach of Collado led to him becoming a mentor as well as friend for
Torres. With newfound interest in expanding his musical horizons in order to
eventually compose music, Torres decided to enroll in the after-school Stevan
Micheo Music Academy. There Torres met his drummer counterpart with whom he has
worked in many endeavors throughout the years, Fernando Garcia. During his time
at Micheo Music, he acquired the core for his musical knowledge. He studied the
electric bass, reading and performing in Jazz under bassist Joel Marrero. He
learned the basics of Jazz harmony and theory under guitarist Antonio
Caraballo. Caraballo became another mentor and big influence in finally pushing
Torres to begin actively exploring composition.
In 2004,
Torres auditioned for the Berklee in Puerto Rico workshops for the first time.
He was among the chosen to take part in the workshops. These workshops opened
the door to a lot of musical knowledge, sharing opportunities, and mentorship.
It was during this time he met another one of his mentors, the four time
GRAMMY-award winning bassist and educator, Oscar Stagnaro.
He continued
to attend the Berklee in Puerto Rico program for a couple of years meeting many
musicians, including some who would be responsible for getting him playing his
first Jazz gigs. Additionally, he attended the Berklee Summer Performance
Program in Boston later that summer. There he studied with many world-renowned
musicians, most notably his bass instructor, Matthew Garrison, considered one
of the most technically gifted jazz musicians of his generation. Torres also
met vibraphonist and composer Victor Mendoza who was directing a "Salsa
Ensemble" he asked Torres to join. Torres was awarded with a scholarship
to attend Berklee College as a full-time student at the end of the summer
program.
Once back in
Puerto Rico, Torres was driven to grow his musical awareness. He was lucky
enough to be invited to join many different projects which allowed him to gain
experience in a wider set of genres than most people are exposed to. He joined
a Puerto Rican Plena orchestra named "Plena Juventud" with fellow
musician Gabriel Lugo. He also joined the "Indaka Jazz Quartet" where
he met guitarist Gabriel Vicens. Lastly, he joined a new Reggae group who had
been looking for a bassist. That group eventually became the local indie group
"Raices Rusticas".
Torres was
lucky enough to learn from a diverse number of experiences. The ensemble he was
a part of during the Berklee in Puerto Rico workshops was chosen to play at the
Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest (June 4th, 2006). He met local bass legend Tony
Batista who became a friend, teacher, and a big influence on developing his
skills. It was with Batista that Torres began to study the upright bass.
Furthermore, Raices Rusticas landed a spot opening for Grammy-winning Puerto
Rican rock band Black Guayaba at the Arena Pier Ten (September 9, 2006). This
was the first show where Raices Rusticas performed original music.
Additionally, through many gigs, shows, and jam sessions he got a chance to
play with many people such as Mario Castro, Jeremy de Jesus, Marcos Lopez,
Enrique Trinidad, Sergio Gonzalez, Gerson Orjuela.
After
graduating high school and moving to the town of Mayaguez to study engineering,
he joined the University's Choir "Coral Universitaria". After one
semester there, the director asked him to move to the university's more
exclusive chamber choir "Corium Canticus" in which he stayed for the
next 4 years. During his time there, the choir was chosen to take part in a
competition in Argentina in 2008. The score of their performance there earned
them a gold medal.
Torres was
awarded another scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in May of 2007,
his last time attending the Berklee in Puerto Rico workshops. He was also once
again part of the ensemble chosen to play at the Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest
(June 3rd).
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