When Baltimore native Chris Vazquez entered middle school, being “cool” became the most important thing in his life. So he put down the violin he had been learning and picked up the guitar.
Eleven years later, he and his quartet are taking their act on the road to promote a second album, titled “Plurality.”
“My music is an eclectic combination of jazz, rock, hip-hop and electronic,” said the 21-year old senior at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Members of his quartet are fellow Berklee students, Mike Torres on bass guitar, Dan Platzman on drums and Art Selluca on alto sax.
“It?s a treat to play with Chris, Mike and Dan,” said Selluca. “These guys expand on music other than the Berklee curriculum.”
Platzman agreed, adding, “It?s one of the easiest bands I ever stepped into.”
Vazquez noted the fusion album contains no vocals but has a lot of melody. He has composed the music himself, melodies he feels the listener will grasp onto.
“I?m very excited and proud of this album,” he continued. “I?m constantly developing, and this is what I have to show for it.”
Vazquez?s early development began at the Baltimore School for the Arts, where he studied classical guitar. Thinking for a time that he wanted to be a “rock star,” he remembered “playing in and out of every heavy metal band I could find.”
It was at Berklee College that he began branching out in other musical directions and styles. When he realized he could write instrumental music, he formed a quartet to perform it. His teachers continue to praise and encourage him.
“The way he approaches music study and artistry is a great example for others to follow,” said Jon Finn, associate professor at Berklee. “I wish more were like him.”
Vazquez plans to continue performing after college, to record and do studio work as well. He looks forward to playing in the intimate space of An Die Musik on Saturday.
“I hope people say they?ve never heard anything like it,” he said.
IF YOU GO
Chris Vazquez Quartet
» Venue: An Die Musik LIVE!, 409 N. Charles St., Baltimore
» Times: 8 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday
» Tickets: $12 general admission; $8 for students and seniors; $5 for BSFA students
» More info: 410-385-2638
