Artist description Personal Message: I asked my Mom about 1 month before she passed on September 16, 2000 how do I keep on going when she passes on? As simple as this quote may sound it is a big part of my life. Remember the good times, not the bad." - Delia C. Estrada May this CD bring "Good Times", Cougar Estrada Cougar Records Present "Canciones [Songs] Para Delia" Volume 2 to complement Volume 1 produced by Cougar Estrada Recorded at Cougar Records Sept. 25 at 10:00pm to 12pm midnight. Final recording at Away Team Studios Oct. 22-23,2001 Mixed by Nik Green and Cougar Estrada at The Away Team Studio in Goleta CA. Art Work by Kevin Vazquez Liner Notes Linda Ulvaeus. This is a landmark CD, a work of rare musical talent, unique in scope and detail. Listening to this collection of irridescent historical gems I am transported, suddenly part of some forgotten life, a golden era of love and romance far away from these troubling times. With his inherited musical legacy and genius for latin instrumentation, Cougar Estrada must be the most arrangement savvy producer of this genre around. What we have here is a creative celebration of spontaneity within the traditional, a heart stirring tribute keeping the classics alive and thriving.

Music Style Balada, Bolero, Bossa Nova, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo.

Musical Influences The great masters of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Similar Artists Traditional Latin Standards

Artist History Ruben "Cougar" Estrada Jr. was not only born in the back seat of a 1967 Mercury Cougar; he was born into the musical family of The Estrada Brothers Latin Jazz Sextet. "I can remember going to see my father's band ( The Estrada Brothers ) play at a wedding. I would sit on the side of the stage and play clave or cowbell along with my uncles." Cougar was documented on The Estrada Brothers first CD recording in 1989 at only 19. He then recorded on Steal Big, Steal Little ( Movie Soundtrack ) featuring musicians Stephan Grapelli, Steve Gadd, Cachao, Albita, Paquito De Rivera, Arturo Sandoval and actor Andy Garcia. Recent live work includes touring the country with the Latin Playboys, Los Super Seven and travels to Guatemala and Japan with Michael Jackson's sister Rebbie Jackson. In addition to his work on The Mennonite and Ballads (Jazz trumpeter project, Nate Birkey), Cougar has recently recorded on new works by The Estrada Brothers Latin Jazz Sextet (due in Spring 2002), The Latin Jazz All-Stars featuring the best Latin Jazz Musicians in Southern CA, country artist Rick Trevino, The Mavericks' Raul Malo, a forthcoming Los Lobos CD & Tour (Summer 2002), his own genre defying group ConGa PunKs, and the debut of his most recent production venture: Cougar Records.

Group Members Ruben Estrada: Acoustic Piano, Vibes, Vocals on "Sabor a Mi" Henry Estrada: Saxophones, Flute, Vocals on "Sabor a Mi" Cougar Estrada: Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Organ, Vocals on "Sabor a Mi" and Falcetto Voice on "Tres Palabras" Ruben Martinez: Upright Bass Kevin Vazquez: Vocals on "Como Fue" Aida Salazar: Spoken Word on "Historia De Amor" Martina Melendez: Spoken Word on "Esperame En El Cielo"

Instruments Acoustic Piano, Vibes, Saxophones, Flute, Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Organ, Vocals, Falcetto Voice, Upright Bass and Spoken Word.

Albums Cancionces Para [ Songs ] Delia _ Volumes 1 & 2

Press Reviews Anyone who has the good fortune to hear Cougar play will experience the mind and sense-awakening imprint of his gift. Something bright and bold is happening here. Bringing you fully into the present moment and evoking a wide range of feeling states. If music is the voice of God, Cougar has the honed ability and the fearless surrender to deliver, giving it everything he's got. Like the powerful beauty of the movements of nature, his mastery is spontaneous, brilliant and profound. Characterized by a one-pointed, steadfast commitment to his craft, Cougar's inventive approach to his music keeps him in ever deepening flows of creativity, busy with all phases of his many burgeoning projects. Whether he's producing, composing, arranging, shredding on drums, percussion, keyboards, guitar, or vocals, his grasp is astute. We are drawn to particular themes for certain doubtless reasons, as the power of music connects us to each other and the threads of our histories. Navigating stormy life passages with grace and skill, Cougar Estrada makes incense-music of it all, letting you know what beauty could grow right here...Linda Ulvaeus [ You WILL enjoy this CD, "Canciones (Songs) Para Delia," especially "Esta Tarde Vi Llover," "Sabor a Mi," "Besame Mucho" (good jazz feel there) and "Contigo En La Distancia." I never heard Ruben Estrada Sr. on piano before and am much impressed. Regards, Bob Agnew ( Writer for LA JAZZ SCENE MAGAZINE )

Additional Info Dedicated to my mother Delia Estrada who passed away on Sept. 16, 2000

Location Santa Barbara, CA - USA

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