02 April 2010
eals A Different Side on 'Expressions'
Cuban-born singer and composer Jon Secada is known for his rhythmic fusion of pop, soul, ballads and Latin music. But, he reveals another side to his ever-growing repertoire with his latest release, "Expressions."
Secada has sold millions of pop albums since launching his solo career in the early-1990s. His Spanish-language recordings have fared just as well, earning him two Grammy Awards. He earned his first Grammy with the Spanish version of his 1992 debut album, which became the best-selling Latin album that year.
Having conquered the pop world, Jon decided to return to his jazz roots, inspired by such crooners as Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Joe Williams.
Jon says, "I've always enjoyed the fusion of varied musical styles within my own music, because I grew up listening to so many different 'grooves' as a kid."
Jon was only nine years old when he emigrated with his parents from Cuba to the U.S. His interest in music blossomed at the University of Miami in Florida where he became an accomplished jazz musician. After six years of studies, he earned a Master's degree in Jazz Vocal Performance.
In the late 1980s, Jon was hired as a backup singer for pop superstar Gloria Estefan. He also collaborated with her as a songwriter on some of her best-known ballads. Jon literally stepped into the spotlight when he was invited to sing several solos during Estefan's 1991 concert tour. A year later, he notched his first Top 10 single as a solo artist, "Just Another Day."
Jon revisits his most recognizable hits, including "Just Another Day" and "Angel," on his all-jazz outing, "Expressions." Fans are also treated to "Letter From A Friend," a tune he co-wrote while starring in the Broadway musical "Grease" in 1995.
Last month, Jon was one of more than 50 Latin all-stars who participated in the Spanish-language recording of "We Are The World," to benefit victims of the earthquake in Haiti. In May, Jon will appear with the National Symphony Orchestra and special guest Tito Puente, Jr., at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.