Guitarist Juan Areco's third release "Inspiration" is a combination of rich style and variety of musical interpretations, from the folkloric and flamenco to Latin Jazz and Classical, that truly reflects his years as a performer-a musical walk through his artistic career.

A native of Paraguay and of Spanish and Guarani Indian descent, Juan was born into a family of musicians. Four of his brothers are also performers who together with Juan learned their music sensitivity from their father, a bassist and guitarist.

Juan started the guitar at the age of twelve and studied jazz improvisation. By age fifteen, he was already playing professionally with the top groups of Asuncion, Paraguay. When only eighteen, he moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil to broaden his horizons and to perform rock n' roll. While living there he absorbed the rich Brazilian culture, which is the dream of so many musicians. Here is where the Brazilian sounds, evident in some of his music, was born.

After living in Brazil for several years, Juan came to Miami and furthered his studies in jazz-he has been based here ever since.

He has performed extensively throughout the United States, South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East and has recorded with well-known international artists.

It was in the late 70's that Juan teamed up with flutist Nestor Torres, percussionist/hand drummer Bobby Thomas and harpist Roberto Perera. Together they created a unique sound helping to shape the music, which today is heard, and coming from South Florida. Now they are enjoying their own successful solo careers.

Throughout his career, Juan has had the opportunity to perform for heads of state and celebrities such as Princess Caroline of Monaco and Queen Elizabeth II. In December of 1994 he was chosen to perform for President Clinton and the 34 Latin American Presidents for the Summit of the Americas held at the Biltmore Hotel where Juan is the resident musician.

Juan and his wife Arlene Martin-Areco, a pianist who is an accomplished performer in her own right have been residents of Coral Gables for the past 12 years. He dedicated a song to the city that has been so good to him. In 2001 the Mayor honored him by awarding Juan the key to the city and proclaiming "Coral Gables (My City Beautiful)" official song of the city.

Juan is enjoying a busy career, very much in demand for concerts and private engagements in Florida as well as abroad. The guitar virtuoso demonstrates in this recording as in his other two recordings, Granada Nights and Valencia Avenue that he has evolved into a consummate artist with absolute command of his instruments.

The passionate sounds that come from his guitar enrapture the listener, filling the depths with a quiet raging fire.

- Arlene Martin

INSPIRATION is available at fine record stores around the country.