Barretok
(Bernardo Barreto)

Bio:
I was born in Lima Peru but I have been living in New York since 1984, It's my second home. I am a visual artist. Painting, Illustration, Photography and Underground Comix.
But music is my passion. Ever since I remember, songs have had a profound effect on me. Way before I could afford buying records or a decent stereo, I spent hours by the radio waiting for my favorite songs to be played.
Making music is a journey. An adventure.
Most of the times quite rewarding, other times frustrating, but always exciting.
The foundation of all the music I make and like is usually the Blues. Quoting Albert King:
"If you don't dig the blues, you must have a hole in your soul".
I believe in that.
Yet, I am open to all influences, from African to even Dance music. I believe you can get something out of everything you hear. My favorite artists and main influences are way too many to be listed. The Rolling Stones remain on top of my list as my favorite band mostly for what they did in the 60's and 70's. Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and The Howlin' Wolf are together with Otis Spann the heart of the Chicago Blues. Albert King, Otis Rush, Eric Clapton, Peter Green & Carlos Santana added wonderful licks to guitar playing. And of course Keith Richards, Elmore James & Chuck Berry. John Lee Hooker and Bo Didley had the beat. And Ry Cooder pushes slide guitar to the limits. Bob Dylan has to be the best songwriter ever. All the people from Chess and Stax brought a wonderful sound. The Staple Singers are deep spiritual connections with not only God but the Civil Rights Movement. And Issac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield moved the message into the 70's together with Sly & The Family Stone. Jimi Hendrix knows no match even 35 years after his death.
I love Jazz and afro cuban music...and of course James Brown, ain't that a groove?. What can I say. The list can go on and on.
Considering the fact that I came from South Of Every Border (South America that is). I've tried to do my homework. And the music I heard growing up, in Plazas and family parties or local TV shows, remains at the core of my creation. I love music.