"EMILIO RETURNS TO ELECTRIFY THE HIGHLAND SQUARE STREET FAIR WITH HIS UNIQUE BRAND OF FUSION-ROCK. At last year's Highland square street fair lightning served as the backdrop as Emilio rocked the audience, which ignored both the lightning and the attendant downpour. It's difficult to say whether Emilio or the lightning generated more raw energy. This year, Emilio will once again bring his unique sound to the Highland street fair, as part of the entertainment for the 16th annual event to be held Sat. June 20th 1998 from 6-7pm. Emilio Dominguez-just Emilio to his fans-learned to play guitar as he toured the country with his parents. His Mother and Father were heavily involved in the civil rights movement and Emilio would entertain crowds by playing guitar between speeches. He developed his own style, which has been described as everything from rock to blues to a fusion of the two, though no one label can accurately describe the work of this north denver resident. Maybe that is simply because the style keeps changing and evolving as Emilio continues his journey through life. The North Denver guitar Magician lists B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan amoung those he has emulated and been influenced by. He also says Tommy Bolin was fundamental in his development as a musician. Emilio got to meet Bolin when he was just 12 years old and the experience stuck with him."I think he is where my main influence came from," says Emilio. But inspiration is a constant thing for Emilio. When his son was born two years ago, Emilio was newly motivated, and found himself creating music that was spurred by little Emilio, he even went so far as to take the newborn on tour with him when we hit the road. Late last year, Emilio released "Cultura" his third CD, while simultaneously re-releasing his first two CD's: "Texas Tone" and "Beyond & Back". Tracks from all those CDs are sure to be part of Emilio's performance at the street fair and since no two of the guitarist's performances are identical, there is sure to be something new for the audience to enjoy as well. Emilio will close the street fair with a performance on the mega bank stage."

quote from a happy listener/viewer.

Dan Flattery Theatre, and Music Magazine

President Bill Clinton

Mark Barsotti, Westword Magazine

North Denver favorite Emilio to rock the Bluebird...

"This past summer when local favorite Emilio took the stage at the Highland Square Street Fair, lightning provided pyrotechnical backdrop to the blues/rock maelstrom emanating from Roberto Dominguez' guitar. But who's to say whether the electrical storm that accompanied Emilio's set was coincidental, or simply the result of sparks thrown off by the frenetic guitar virtuoso? Certainly not his fans, who weathered that storm, all the while screaming for more.

For those still screaming for more, there is good news. Emilio is back ... in a concert to promote Emilio's triple-CD release. The three CD's being promoted include two previously released discs: "Texas Tone" and "Beyond and Back." The third disc in the group, "Cultura" is a new release that features the signature guitar work for which Dominguez is know.

It's difficult to accurately put a label to Emilio's style. Some call it rock, others blues, others a fusion of the two. Dominguez himself likes Westword Music critic Michael Roberts' tag: "blues-rock freakout," but even that label only goes so far describing his genre.

"I'm very blues influenced, but it's free blues," say Dominguez. "I like to get into a lot of jazzy stuff. I'm into improv."

Whatever the style is called, it is one that has evolved over the years as the result of many influences. Dominguez lists B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan among those he has emulated and been influenced by.

He also says Tommy Bolin was fundamental in his development as a musician. Dominguez got to meet Bolin when he was just 12- years-old and says the experience stuck with him.

"I think he's where my main influence came from," says Dominguez.

But Dominguez notes that he is still evolving even today, and the inspiration that spurs such change can come from some unlikely sources. For instance, Emilio III, Dominguez' two-year-old son figured prominently in the cuts that made it to the "Cultura" CD.

"He's one of my major influences now," Dominguez states bluntly. "A lot of the songs on the new album he co-wrote. He'd hang out in his "Johnny Jumper," and I'd play 12-string to him, and he'd move my hand to certain positions."

Dominguez says "Down By The Water" a track on the new "Cultura" CD, bears his young son's stamp as do other on the new release. That's not all the surprising when you consider how important it is for the 38-year-old father/guitarist to be near his child, even when he is on the road. To make that possible, Dominguez travels to concert venues on a bus that has been affectionately dubbed the "30-foot baby crib."

"He went on the road with us when he was 10 days old," say Dominguez of his son. "I wasn't about to leave my family and go on these tours."

The upcoming CD release performance will bring together a number of performers who have worked with Dominguez through the years. He will be joined by his brother, Gary Garrison, on drums and his nephew, Jeff Anderson on bass for the November 22, 1997 show, but that's just the start. Like most bands, Emilio has undergone personnel changes, and some of those who have been a part of the band over the years will be there at the Bluebird to be a part of the celebration. Tim Vigil and John Gomez, who have played with Emilio in the past are expected for the show and even Dominguez isn't sure who else might show up and join-in, and is even encouraging musicians - horn players in particular - to give him a call if they would be interested in jamming with the band.

"We're looking for some seriously talented guys who can blow," says Dominguez. "They can contact us on our web site.""

R. W. Meddles, North Denver Tribune, November 13, 1997

"Emilio Dominguez was born with it. His performances stir crowds to tumultuous euphoria as he strums rhythmic blues----

Taking the stage this weekend at the Bluebird Theater, Emilio will jam with his latest CD collection. "Beyond And Back, Texas Tone and his latest release Cultura, all featuring three and half hours of original live and studio recordings. The musical brew of Emilio has a hint of Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix, but his unique soulful talent creates a powerhouse sound that rocks the house. Chicano style. The music that drips from the fingers of this blues master is like no other. His obvious love for life reflects his cultured style.

Brought up in the Chicano movement, by activist parents, Emilio journeyed across the country with his parents and played his guitar on stage. Through these travels, he gained priceless knowledge and pride about himself and his people. He has persevered as a musical artist and has inspired new sounds to the blues scene.

Throughout his career, Emilio has performed with Dick Dale, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bo Diddly, Eddie Harris, Chuck Berry and Al Dimiola. His second release, "Texas Tone", was recorded while opening for Ted Nugent. Across the nation, he has received honorable praise for his distinct talent.

Emilio is famous in Denver for his knock-out performances a the Civic Center Cinco de Mayo celebrations each year. His soul-wrenching performances leave audiences stomping for more.
The boy can jam -- don't miss it!"

Chispa, Cover Story, El Semanario, November 1997

"If you've never seen Emilio, You're missing quite a stage show as he seamlessly switches from a guitar to a percussion set-up mid-song. He wails on guitar and he's a smokin' percussionist, too...

...Emilio plays what he calls a "super Strat," an assemblage of a Warmouth ash body, Trekker neck, and WD Dan Electro-style 'lipstick' pickups. GHS strings are an incredible .15 to .60! amplification IS A 1960 Marshal Plexi going through a '70 Fender Vibratone (Leslie) speaker and Fender 15 inch bottom, in addition to a '69 Fender Super Reverb."

"Denver musician Emilio's press release reads like a who's who in music. When he was twelve he had the unique privilege of meeting the legendary guitarist Tommy Bolin. He has played with B.B. King, Bo Diddly, Louis Johnson, Les Machan, and Chuck Berry, just to mention a few. Despite the remarkable friends he has made, Emilio keeps humble about his station in life.

"I'm a big fan of Jesus Christ," he tells me," Life is beautiful. I look at my baby and just think that life is beautiful." The assumption is that Emilio does not have the time or patience for the rigors of stardom although it is always in the back of his mind. He does maintain a busy schedule with regards to his music and finds that there is a demand for a Latino rhythm and blues musician.

He also does not mind being compared to greats like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Santana, but he is firm about his need to preserve and distinguish his own style. During last year's Cinco de Mayo event at Civic Center, I had the opportunity to hear Emilio play and was impressed with how much he really does have a style all his own. As a result, the press are beside themselves when they attempt to make distinctions "... some nice funky workouts with guitar work that calls to mind Hendrix, Santana, and Stevie Ray Vaughn," says Vintage Guitar Magazine." ...a fine gumbo of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms of blues, jazz, reggae, and rock," says Hometown Fan. Even President Clinton has made an effort with, "y'all rock!" Whatever the distinction, Emilio's music has been the subject for much acclaim that can probably be credited toward his upbringing.

Emilio's parents, Emilio & Juanita Dominguez, were very supportive and active in the early Chicano movement. At ten years old, Emilio would tour the country with his parents. His father would give speeches and in between speeches, Emilio would play his guitar. At age twelve, Emilio met Tommy Bolin. This fateful encounter inevitably led to the style that he showcases today. Emilio's passion for a heavy guitar sound was inspired by Bolin and his first LP includes a Tommy Bolin tribute.

Although Emilio became used to all the attention at a very early age, today, Emilio's private demeanor and his stage demeanor are stark contrasts. Although his trademark half shaven face would suggest that he is an exhibitionist, meeting him was perhaps one of the highlights of my own life. Just before he was to perform in front of 100,000+ crowd at Civic Center park I met with him briefly and I was amazed how calm and warm Emilio was even at such a presumably stressful moment. The warmth and kindness he exuded was refreshing and almost awkward considering the moment after our short conversation Emilio even agrees to model our t-shirt in front of the crowd. A highly risky request on my part, but Emilio took it in stride and seemed almost grateful to represent GM.

The fateful moment arrives and Emilio is having the performance of his life it seems. But every performance he has is the performance of his life. Emilio is a giver. When he is performing he puts in 110%. It is apparent when he is almost frantically switching from guitar to drums, drums to keyboards, and keyboards back to guitar all within one song.

Ironically, despite Emilio's close ties with the Denver area, he has found a closer and more faithful following in Texas. "Texas is like my second home," he says. "I spend a lot of time down there." When asked why he thinks there isn't more of a demand for his music here, he is passive, but he does refer to Denver's lagging music scene, "the people in Texas just seem to appreciate my music more."

The unfortunate fact about Denver's music scene is not that there isn't more of an appreciation for Emilio's music, but that there isn't more of an appreciation for local talent, period. Emilio is a relative unknown, but has had the wherewithal to put out three LPs, Beyond and Back, Texas Tone (recorded live on a Texas tour), and Emilio III, which is still in production. All of these efforts were self-produced which invariably means that there is a lot of out-of-pocket expense. Emilio admits that local support is the means by which Emilio will eventually achieve the recognition he deserves, but he makes no apologies about his need for stability. He is not interested in being a rock star. What is most important to him is his craft.

Emilio's style is self-described as a "unique blend of American music consisting of rock and blues with a Latin flair." Most notable, however, is Emilio's aversion to any type of label. He realizes that, depending on who is doing the labeling, they are necessary in certain respects, but he is somewhat dissatisfied with the "Latino Musician" label. It is confining and considering the personal inspiration he has had from Stevie Ray Vaughn and Dick Dale it is also inappropriate. His pride in his heritage is separate from his achievements as a musician although he will admit that he would not be who he is today without some influence from his politically active parents.

Emilio Roberto Dominguez is certainly on track for a successful tenure as one of Denver's more talented musicians, but fair warning to the lagging Denver music scene: Unless Denver adapts, we may lose Emilio to the more accepting Texas scene."

by Esteban Peralta - Colorado's Latino Edge - Grande Mesa!

"Funky, Latin, Blues? Chili Peppers meets Santana meets Stevie Ray Vaughan????!!

Remember, an open mind is vital, virtuous and rewarding. Colorado emigrant Emilio (aka E. Roberto Dominguez) and his newly acquired Texas rhythm section, entertained and enlightened an appreciative almost full house at the Blue Cat during their two 90 minute sets.

Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tommy Bolin and Carlos Santana are a partial list of acknowledged and easy to hear influences. Their Blue Cat sets contained only two well done cover tunes. Most importantly, Emilio executes original material in a novel and refreshing way, without copying or imitating anyone.

Highlights of their excellent self produced CD Beyond & Back are numerous. "The Edge of Thunder," "Tommy Bolin Tribute," "I Live to Love You," and "Hot Tamales" will have you hitting the repeat track button on your CD player more than once. Beyond and Back (11 songs, 57 minutes) is available at Pagan Rhythms Record store in Dallas.

In simple terms, Emilio is a blues derived power trio . . . a common, time proven recipe. The key ingredients are Emilio (Guitar, Vocals, Bongo, Timbales), Chuck Payne (drums) and Branden Smith (6 string bass). However, with Chef Emilio in the kitchen, the results are definitely not common or bland. Emilio whips-up a tasty, Strat driven sonic feast with a unique "bet you can't eat just one" refried groove..."

Jam Magazine

Contact Emilio Emilio: call 720.206.9553 or 303-621-6352 (cell)