Princeton’s Royal Stewart Entertainment has produced a documentary on the John Lennon tribute fundraising effort for Darfur.
By: Susan Van Dongen
ARTURO ROMAY
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You’ve heard of a working musician? Arturo Romay is putting in overtime.
In addition to playing his schedule of regular appearances at clubs and restaurants in Princeton and Hamilton four nights a week, he makes other live appearances, usually playing six nights a week, and also records albums.
The Princeton-based Latin jazz guitarist has performed with the likes of Tito Puente, Marc Anthony and Ricardo Montaner. But playing his own music gives him the greatest pleasure. Along with percussionist Nerio Natheus and other musicians, Mr. Romay will play a free concert at Mercer County Park Aug. 11 as part of the Music in the Park series.
Mr. Romay remembers learning how to play the cuatro (a small guitar) as a young boy growing up in Maracaibo, Venezuela, but it wasn’t until he was 18 that he took up the guitar seriously.
"I saw Carlos Santana in a concert in my town and I said, ‘That instrument sounds so…’" he starts, unable to find a suitable adjective to describe Mr. Santana’s talents. "It wasn’t his playing, it was his feeling, his soul I guess. I wanted to feel that."
He told his father that he wanted to play guitar and was met with a response a lot of young adults hear when they express such desires: "Are you crazy?" His sister bought him his first guitar and he was soon listening to the radio at night, headphones on, while the rest of the family slept. He’d memorize the guitar playing on songs like the Eagles’ "Hotel California" and later play them.
After coming to the United States in 1990, Mr. Romay wanted to study at Berklee College of Music, but finances prevented that from happening. To this day he can’t read music. He composes by playing his guitar and letting the music come out.
Listen to a recording of Mr. Romay’s and there’s no evidence that his inability to read music affects his playing. It’s obvious his fingers are moving quickly, but he’s not showing off. He plays melodically with rhythm and soul.
"I have that feeling, that passion for music," he says. "And I know I am very close to something happening."
Record companies have made offers, but he’s turned them down because he wants to maintain ownership of his songs and control the way his music is recorded. During an interview, he produces a letter with an offer of a recording contract from a major label and says people often hear his playing and ask what he’s doing playing in small restaurants in New Jersey. The answer is that he’s doing what he loves and working as his own boss. And he says he makes more money here than he would in New York.
"In New York, the musicians play for free because they want exposure, that’s crazy," he says.
Mr. Romay has recorded three CDs and a fourth, Alma Latina, will be released in August. His solos, which are a signature of his recordings, are created during the recording process.
"I don’t practice (the solos)," he says. "Whatever happens, happens. If I don’t like a solo (that I record), I do it again and again." Nor does he edit together sections of different takes that might create one seamless recording. Instead, he maintains a live essence to his recordings.
Of his regular appearances, Mr. Romay says his Latin Nights at Sotto in Princeton are particular favorites. Twice a month, after his regular 6 to 9 p.m. set on Fridays and Saturdays, he’s joined by top musicians from New York and plays until midnight.
"These are musicians who have played for (people like) Marc Anthony and Alicia Keyes," he says. "These musicians from New York come to play here, in Princeton, and it’s for free.
"I have the opportunity to play with the best people in the world."
When asked if his instrumental songs have meanings, Mr. Romay says it’s up to the listeners to interpret the music for themselves.
"I think the songs are for people to understand in their way," he says. "Maybe for me, (a song) makes me happy, maybe for other people, the song makes them cry… Each person has their own interpretation."
Part-musician, part-philosopher, Mr. Romay expresses a zest for life and thanks to God for the gift of music. He believes human life is the "most amazing thing in this universe" and takes joy in walking through parks and taking in the sights of flowers and nature.
"We only live once," he says. "We have to enjoy this life, and it’s beautiful."
Arturo Romay will perform at Mercer County Park, off Hughes Drive, West Windsor as part of the Music in the Park series, Aug. 11, 6 p.m. Stage is located near the ice rink, bring blankets, chairs and picnic; (609) 989-6701. Mr. Romay performs at Leonardo’s, 64 Market Place Blvd., Hamilton, Tues., 6-9 p.m.; (609) 585-8202, at Mediterra Restaurant, 29 Hulfish St., Princeton, Thurs., 7-10 p.m., and at Sotto, 128 Nassau St., Princeton, Fri.-Sat., 6-9 p.m. Mr. Romay hosts and performs in Latin Night at Sotto twice a month, 9 p.m.-midnight; (609) 921-7555; www.sotto128.com. Arturo Romay on the Web: www.arturoromay.com